Rosamond is a feminine given name of English origin. It is derived from the Middle English name Rosemonde, which is composed of two elements: "rose" and "mond," meaning "protection." Therefore, Rosamond translates to "rose protection."
The name Rosamond has a rich history dating back to medieval times. One of the most notable figures associated with this name was Rosamund Clifford (1150-1176), also known as "the Fair Rosamund." She was a mistress of King Henry II of England and is said to have been buried at Godstow Nunnery in Oxfordshire. Her story has inspired various works of literature, including poems by Geoffrey Chaucer and Christina Rossetti.
Rosamond was also the name of several queens and noblewomen throughout history. For instance, Rosamund Clifford's ancestor, Rosamund de Beaumont (1045-1079), was a Norman noblewoman who married Richard, Duke of Normandy.
Today, Rosamond is not as common as it once was, but it remains an elegant and historic name choice for parents seeking a unique and meaningful name for their daughter. Its connection to roses gives it a feminine and delicate appeal, while its historic significance adds depth and charm to the name.
The name Rosamond saw significant fluctuations in popularity over the years. It started with a low of 5 births in 1881 and remained relatively uncommon until the late 1890s when it began to gain traction, reaching a peak of 71 births in 1912. This popularity was sustained until around 1930, after which there was a steady decline. From the 1940s onwards, Rosamond became quite rare, with fewer than 10 births per year. It has remained so until recent times, with only 11 births recorded in 2019. In total, over the span of 138 years, there were 3283 babies named Rosamond.