Rosario is a name of Spanish origin, derived from the word "rosary," which refers to a set of prayer beads used by Catholics during their devotional practices. The name itself means "rose garden" in Spanish, and it is often associated with the Virgin Mary, who is known as the "Mystical Rose."
The name Rosario was popularized by several historical figures throughout history. One notable example is Pope John Paul II, whose real name was Karol Wojtyła, but he was known as Rosario during his early years in Poland. Additionally, there were several saints named Rosario, including Saint Rosario of Lima, a Peruvian friar who founded the order of the Rosary.
In terms of its history, the name Rosario has been used primarily in Catholic communities due to its religious connotations. It gained popularity during the Middle Ages when the use of rosaries became widespread among Catholics. Today, it continues to be a popular choice for parents seeking unique and meaningful names for their children.
The name Rosario appears to have experienced significant fluctuations in popularity over the past century, with a sharp decline in recent years. Between 1900 and 1928, there were consistently more than 70 births each year, peaking at 140 births in 1917. However, from 1929 onwards, there was a steady decrease in the number of newborn girls named Rosario, dropping to just 14 births in 2010. In the past decade (2012-2022), the name has seen an average of around 20 births per year, with the highest being 31 births in 2023. Overall, a total of 5572 girls have been named Rosario over this 123-year period.