The name Rosaria evokes a sense of classic beauty and gentle strength. If you’re considering Rosaria for your baby girl, you’re likely drawn to its elegant sound and subtle floral connection. But what is the meaning and history of Rosaria, and how popular has it been over time? This article delves into the depths of this charming name.
Meaning and Origin:
Rosaria is a name of Latin origin, directly linked to the word "rosarium," meaning "rose garden" or "rosary." As a given name, it carries the symbolic weight of the rose itself: love, beauty, passion, and even secrecy. The connection to the rosary further adds a layer of religious significance, associating the name with devotion and prayer, especially within the Catholic tradition. The rosary is a set of prayers, often recited using beads, and dedicated to the Virgin Mary, further reinforcing the name’s association with femininity and piety.
Rosaria Name Popularity Through the Years:
The popularity of Rosaria has fluctuated significantly over the past century. Examining the data from the Social Security Administration (SSA), we can observe trends in its usage:
- Early 20th Century (1910s-1930s): Rosaria experienced a modest level of popularity, consistently ranking within the top 1100 names. The number of births ranged from a low of 6 in 1910 and 1911 to a high of 35 in 1921. During this period, the name’s peak percentage of births was in 1918 at 0.0031%.
- Mid-20th Century (1940s-1980s): A noticeable decline in popularity occurred from the 1940s onward. In 1945, 1946, 1947, 1961, 1984, 1985, and 1987 no babies were named Rosaria. While it never completely disappeared, its ranking often fell below the top 1500.
- Late 20th Century and Early 21st Century (1990s-2023): A period of general disuse. No babies were named Rosaria between 1990 and 2013.
- Recent Resurgence (2014-Present): There’s a hint of a potential comeback. While still relatively uncommon, Rosaria has reappeared in the SSA data. In 2014, the name ranked 3,648 with 5 births, and in 2021, it ranked 4,604, again with 5 births. This suggests a renewed interest in vintage and unique names, which could bode well for Rosaria’s future popularity.
The table below shows the popularity of the name Rosaria since 1910.
| Year | Rank | # Births | % Births |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1910 | 847 | 6 | 0.0017% |
| 1911 | 824 | 6 | 0.0016% |
| 1912 | 925 | 8 | 0.0016% |
| 1913 | 861 | 12 | 0.0021% |
| 1914 | 842 | 19 | 0.0027% |
| 1915 | 990 | 17 | 0.0019% |
| 1916 | 878 | 28 | 0.0029% |
| 1917 | 991 | 19 | 0.0019% |
| 1918 | 881 | 33 | 0.0031% |
| 1919 | 972 | 23 | 0.0022% |
| 1920 | 966 | 27 | 0.0024% |
| 1921 | 895 | 35 | 0.0031% |
| 1922 | 1,067 | 21 | 0.0019% |
| 1923 | 994 | 25 | 0.0022% |
| 1924 | 944 | 33 | 0.0028% |
| 1925 | 1,009 | 25 | 0.0022% |
| 1926 | 1,022 | 23 | 0.0021% |
| 1927 | 963 | 29 | 0.0026% |
| 1928 | 981 | 25 | 0.0023% |
| 1929 | 1,034 | 20 | 0.0019% |
| 1930 | 964 | 24 | 0.0023% |
| 1931 | 939 | 23 | 0.0023% |
| 1932 | 1,071 | 16 | 0.0016% |
| 1933 | 1,062 | 15 | 0.0016% |
| 1934 | 956 | 21 | 0.0022% |
| 1935 | 1,102 | 13 | 0.0013% |
| 1936 | 1,292 | 7 | 0.0007% |
| 1937 | 1,061 | 16 | 0.0016% |
| 1938 | 1,360 | 6 | 0.0006% |
| 1939 | 1,276 | 9 | 0.0009% |
| 1940 | 1,326 | 8 | 0.0008% |
| 1941 | 1,309 | 9 | 0.0008% |
| 1942 | 1,545 | 6 | 0.0005% |
| 1943 | 1,464 | 7 | 0.0005% |
| 1944 | 1,457 | 7 | 0.0006% |
| 1945 | – | 0 | 0% |
| 1946 | – | 0 | 0% |
| 1947 | – | 0 | 0% |
| 1948 | 1,572 | 9 | 0.0006% |
| 1949 | 1,451 | 11 | 0.0007% |
| 1950 | 1,582 | 7 | 0.0004% |
| 1951 | 1,586 | 9 | 0.0005% |
| 1952 | 1,872 | 5 | 0.0003% |
| 1953 | 1,786 | 7 | 0.0004% |
| 1954 | 2,076 | 5 | 0.0003% |
| 1955 | 1,796 | 7 | 0.0004% |
| 1956 | 1,766 | 8 | 0.0004% |
| 1957 | 1,617 | 13 | 0.0007% |
| 1958 | 2,103 | 5 | 0.0003% |
| 1959 | 1,859 | 8 | 0.0004% |
| 1960 | 1,960 | 7 | 0.0004% |
| 1961 | – | 0 | 0% |
| 1962 | 2,062 | 6 | 0.0003% |
| 1963 | 1,853 | 10 | 0.0006% |
| 1964 | 1,911 | 9 | 0.0005% |
| 1965 | 1,759 | 11 | 0.0007% |
| 1966 | 1,835 | 11 | 0.0007% |
| 1967 | 1,521 | 19 | 0.0013% |
| 1968 | 1,656 | 16 | 0.0011% |
| 1969 | 1,744 | 16 | 0.001% |
| 1970 | 2,196 | 8 | 0.0005% |
| 1971 | 2,046 | 10 | 0.0007% |
| 1972 | 1,856 | 13 | 0.001% |
| 1973 | 1,738 | 17 | 0.0013% |
| 1974 | 1,828 | 14 | 0.0011% |
| 1975 | 2,087 | 10 | 0.0008% |
| 1976 | 1,866 | 15 | 0.0012% |
| 1977 | 1,855 | 17 | 0.0013% |
| 1978 | 2,333 | 8 | 0.0006% |
| 1979 | 2,543 | 7 | 0.0005% |
| 1980 | 2,445 | 9 | 0.0006% |
| 1981 | 2,917 | 5 | 0.0003% |
| 1982 | 2,792 | 6 | 0.0004% |
| 1983 | 2,418 | 9 | 0.0006% |
| 1984 | – | 0 | 0% |
| 1985 | – | 0 | 0% |
| 1986 | 2,885 | 6 | 0.0004% |
| 1987 | – | 0 | 0% |
| 1988 | 3,672 | 5 | 0.0003% |
| 1989 | 3,110 | 7 | 0.0004% |
| 1990 | – | 0 | 0% |
| 1991 | – | 0 | 0% |
| 1992 | – | 0 | 0% |
| 1993 | – | 0 | 0% |
| 1994 | – | 0 | 0% |
| 1995 | – | 0 | 0% |
| 1996 | – | 0 | 0% |
| 1997 | – | 0 | 0% |
| 1998 | – | 0 | 0% |
| 1999 | – | 0 | 0% |
| 2000 | – | 0 | 0% |
| 2001 | – | 0 | 0% |
| 2002 | – | 0 | 0% |
| 2003 | – | 0 | 0% |
| 2004 | – | 0 | 0% |
| 2005 | – | 0 | 0% |
| 2006 | – | 0 | 0% |
| 2007 | – | 0 | 0% |
| 2008 | – | 0 | 0% |
| 2009 | – | 0 | 0% |
| 2010 | – | 0 | 0% |
| 2011 | – | 0 | 0% |
| 2012 | – | 0 | 0% |
| 2013 | – | 0 | 0% |
| 2014 | 3,648 | 5 | 0.0003% |
| 2015 | – | 0 | 0% |
| 2016 | – | 0 | 0% |
| 2017 | – | 0 | 0% |
| 2018 | – | 0 | 0% |
| 2019 | – | 0 | 0% |
| 2020 | – | 0 | 0% |
| 2021 | 4,604 | 5 | 0.0004% |
| 2022 | – | 0 | 0% |
| 2023 | – | 0 | 0% |
Similar Names and Variations:
If you’re drawn to Rosaria but want to explore similar options, here are a few names with related sounds and meanings:
- Rosario: This is the masculine version of Rosaria and shares the same "rosary" meaning. It can be a unique and meaningful choice for a boy.
- Rosaura: Combining "rosa" (rose) with "aura," Rosaura evokes a sense of rosy light and delicate beauty.
- Rosai: Short, sweet, and modern, Rosai maintains the "rose" connection in a concise form.
- Rosalia: A classic variation, Rosalia also means "rose" and has a slightly more formal feel than Rosaria.
- Rosalie: Another popular choice, Rosalie means "rose flower" and has a distinctly French flair.
- Rosana/Rosanna: These names combine "Rose" with "Anna," adding a touch of familiarity and warmth.
- Roselia: A simple and elegant variation, Roselia retains the core "rose" meaning.
- Rosemaria/Rosmarie: These compound names combine "Rose" with "Maria," linking the name to both floral beauty and religious significance ("dew of the sea").
- Rozalia: A German variation, Rozalia means "gentle horse" and offers a different cultural twist.
The Allure of Rosaria:
Rosaria is a name that offers a unique blend of classic charm, historical depth, and subtle floral beauty. Its varied popularity throughout the 20th and 21st centuries demonstrates its enduring appeal, and its potential resurgence makes it a distinctive choice for parents seeking a name that is both familiar and refreshingly uncommon. Whether you are drawn to its religious connotations, its connection to the beauty of roses, or simply its melodic sound, Rosaria is a name with a rich story to tell.