Rosalind is a feminine given name of Latin origin, derived from the Latin word "rosalis," which means "rose." The name has been associated with roses for centuries due to its etymology.
The name Rosalind first gained popularity in England during the Middle Ages. It was used as a female equivalent to the male name Rosalindus, which was popular among the nobility at that time. In literature, the name Rosalind appears prominently in William Shakespeare's play "As You Like It." The main character, Rosalind, is known for her intelligence and wit.
Throughout history, several notable figures have borne the name Rosalind. Rosalind Franklin (1920-1958), a British chemist and X-ray crystallographer, made significant contributions to the understanding of DNA structure. Her work played a crucial role in the discovery of the double helix structure by James Watson and Francis Crick.
Rosalind Russell (1907-1976) was an American actress who appeared in numerous films during Hollywood's Golden Age. She is best known for her roles in "The Women" (1939), "His Girl Friday" (1940), and "Auntie Mame" (1958). Her portrayal of smart, independent women onscreen helped to challenge traditional gender roles.
Today, Rosalind continues to be a popular choice for parents seeking a name with a rich history and elegant sound. It has consistently ranked among the top 1,000 names given to girls in the United States since the late 19th century.
In summary, Rosalind is a Latin-derived feminine given name that translates to "little rose." With its literary origins and notable historical figures, this timeless name continues to captivate parents and honor daughters around the world.
The name Rosalind experienced significant popularity fluctuations throughout the years. In its early history (1888-1919), it showed steady growth, peaking at 210 births in 1920. However, from 1920 to around 1959, there was a notable decline, with fewer than 300 births recorded annually during most of these years. The name regained some popularity in the late 1950s and early 1960s, with annual birth counts ranging between 400 and 700. After 1962, Rosalind's popularity continued to wane, reaching its lowest point in recent decades with only 38 births recorded in 2000. Since then, the name has seen some recovery, but it remains far less popular than it once was, with fewer than 200 births annually since 2000. As of 2023, Rosalind totals approximately 154 births, marking a significant decrease from its peak in popularity over a century ago.