Rosslyn is a unique and captivating female given name of Scottish origin, derived from the historic castle and estate of Roslin, located in Midlothian, Scotland. The name is predominantly used within Scotland but has also gained international recognition due to its association with the Rosslyn Chapel, renowned for its intricate stone carvings and legends connecting it to the Holy Grail and the Knights Templar.
The name Rosslyn, when broken down into its constituent parts, offers insight into its Scottish heritage. The first element is 'Ross', which is derived from the Old Norse 'Hross', meaning 'horse'. The second element, '-lyn', is thought to be derived from the Old English word 'lean', meaning 'little stream' or 'river'.
Historically, Rosslyn has been associated with prominent families and figures. The St Clair family, Earls of Rosslyn, were the first recorded owners of Roslin Castle in the 14th century. They are believed to have been responsible for the construction of Rosslyn Chapel in the late 15th century.
In literature, Rosslyn has appeared as a character name in several works. Most notably, it is the name of one of the main characters in the novel "The Da Vinci Code" by Dan Brown, which features Rosslyn Chapel prominently in its plot.
Today, while not widely used outside Scotland, the name Rosslyn continues to evoke images of ancient history, mystery, and Scottish heritage. It remains a distinctive and intriguing choice for parents seeking an unusual yet meaningful name for their daughter.
The name Rosslyn experienced significant fluctuations in popularity over the decades. Peak years include 2015 with 33 births and 2021 with 25 births. However, there were also periods of low popularity, such as between 1980 and 1990 where the number of births rarely exceeded single digits. Overall, Rosslyn has been chosen for 772 children since 1940.