Rocio is a beautiful and unique female given name of Spanish origin. It comes from the Spanish word "rocío," which translates to "dew" in English. The name Rocio is often associated with the Virgin Mary, as it is believed that she appeared to a peasant girl named Rocio in the town of Almonte, Spain, in 1481.
According to legend, Rocio had gone out to tend her cattle when she saw a vision of the Virgin Mary standing on top of a holm oak tree. The Virgin spoke to Rocio and told her that she wanted a chapel built on that spot. Rocio returned home and told her family about the vision, but they did not believe her. However, later that day, a shepherd named Juan Diego reported seeing the same vision and the miracle was confirmed.
The apparition of the Virgin Mary in Almonte became a popular pilgrimage site, and over time, the name Rocio became associated with devotion to the Virgin Mary. Today, there is still an annual pilgrimage called the "Romería del Rocío" that takes place in Huelva province, Spain, where thousands of people gather to pay homage to the Virgin Mary.
In addition to its religious significance, the name Rocio has also been popular among Spanish-speaking families for many generations. It is often given to girls born around the time of the annual pilgrimage or simply because it is considered a beautiful and meaningful name.
Overall, Rocio is a lovely and unique female given name with deep-rooted historical and cultural significance in Spain. Its meaning, "dew," adds to its beauty and delicacy, making it an appealing choice for parents looking for a special name for their daughter.
The name Rocio experienced significant growth in popularity from the late 1950s to its peak in the mid-1980s, with a total of over 13,000 babies named Rocio born between 1952 and 2023. The name's popularity began to decline after the early 1990s but remained relatively stable until around 2010, after which it continued to decrease steadily.