Rosemary is derived from the Latin word 'rosmarinus', which translates to 'dew of the sea'. This name has a rich history, dating back to ancient times where it was used by both Greeks and Romans. It gained popularity in the Middle Ages due to its association with the Virgin Mary, as 'rose' signifies the rose of Jericho, symbolizing tears shed for Jesus Christ's passion, while 'mary' refers to the blessed Virgin herself. Rosemary has been a popular choice for generations, particularly during the Victorian era and remains a beloved name today.
The name Rosemary experienced significant popularity from the mid-20s to the late-40s with peaks in the late 20s and early 30s, declining thereafter but still maintaining moderate popularity until the late 60s. It then saw a noticeable drop off in usage by the 70s and beyond.