Rose is a Latin name meaning “flower.” It comes from the Latin rosa and has stayed timeless across centuries and cultures. One key fact: Rose has been a steady classic in U.S. baby-name rankings for decades. A notable person with this name is Rose Kennedy, matriarch of the Kennedy family.
What Does the Name Rose Mean?
Rose means “flower,” and the rose itself is widely associated with love, beauty, and resilience. In baby-name terms, the rose baby name is short, instantly recognizable, and carries a gentle strength that works on a newborn and a grown-up equally well.
Dad here, and not gonna lie—names that are also things you can point at in a garden feel like a cheat code. You don’t have to “sell” them. Everyone already knows what a rose is. It’s pretty. It smells good. And it has thorns—like a toddler with a sticky hand who wants a hug right after touching your laptop screen.
When people ask “what does Rose mean?” they’re usually asking two things at once:
- •The literal meaning: flower
- •The vibe meaning: romantic, classic, elegant, quietly powerful
Also, it’s one of those names that fits every personality type. You can have a Rose who’s a ballet kid, a soccer kid, a book kid, a “will absolutely dismantle your entire pantry at 2 a.m.” kid. The name holds.
Introduction
Rose is one of those names that feels like it’s always been here—because it has. It’s the name equivalent of a cast-iron skillet: simple, beautiful, lasts forever, and somehow gets better with age.
Not gonna lie, when my wife and I were naming our kids, I learned something important: choosing a baby name is the only “fun” decision that still feels like filing taxes. You’re excited, you’re stressed, you’re googling at 1:00 a.m., and suddenly you’re in a forum thread titled “Is Rose too floral if our last name is Gardener???”
And I get why Rose keeps showing up in those late-night searches. It’s short. It’s soft without being fragile. It’s feminine without being fussy. It’s classic without being dusty. And it’s got that subtle “I could also be the CEO of a company that makes rockets” energy.
Plus, if you name your baby Rose, you get to say things like, “This is Rose,” and people immediately go, “Aww.” It’s basically the verbal version of a warm cookie.
Also, obligatory dad joke: If you name your baby Rose and she grows up to be an early riser… you could say she rose early. I’ll see myself out.
Where Does the Name Rose Come From?
Rose comes from the Latin word rosa, meaning “rose” (the flower), and it became a personal name through Roman, Christian, and later European naming traditions. Over time, it traveled through languages like French and English and stayed popular because it’s simple, symbolic, and universally understood.
Let’s do the origin story (dad-style, with fewer capes and more snacks). The name Rose is rooted in Latin—rosa. The Romans loved their roses. They used them in celebrations, perfumes, and symbolism. From there, the word and the flower spread across Europe like my kids spread crumbs across the couch: impressively fast and absolutely everywhere.
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How did Rose become a first name? A few big influences helped **Rose** shift from flower to people-name:
- •Christian symbolism: Roses became linked to the Virgin Mary in Catholic tradition (you’ll hear phrases like “Mystical Rose”), and the rosary itself is associated with rose imagery.
- •Medieval and Renaissance Europe: Flower names grew in popularity, especially among English and French speakers.
- •French influence: Old French rose helped carry the word into English usage more smoothly.
And because it’s only one syllable, it plays nicely with almost any middle or last name. Rose + anything = works. (Try it. It’s annoyingly effective.)
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Why does it feel so timeless? Because it’s not tied to a single era. Names like “Brenda” or “Gary” (no offense to the Garys—I’m a Dave, I live in a glass dad-house) carry a specific generational vibe. **Rose** floats above that. It has been used in royal courts, in working-class families, in art, in protest movements—everywhere.
Who Are Famous Historical Figures Named Rose?
Notable historical figures named Rose include Rose Kennedy, Rose Schneiderman, and Rose Bertin, each influential in politics, labor rights, and fashion history. These women helped shape public life, activism, and culture in ways that still echo today.
Let’s talk about real Roses—women who weren’t just “pretty as a rose,” but tough as the thorns too.
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Rose Kennedy (1890–1995) **Rose Fitzgerald Kennedy** was the mother of President John F. Kennedy and a major figure in one of America’s most famous political families. She lived an incredibly long life (104 years!) and became known for her Catholic faith, discipline, and resilience through immense family tragedy.
Dad reflection here: parenting is already emotional parkour. Rose Kennedy raised nine children under intense public scrutiny. I once felt judged because my kid wore pajama pants to the grocery store at 3 p.m. Imagine the pressure she lived with.
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Rose Schneiderman (1882–1972) **Rose Schneiderman** was a Polish-born American labor leader and women’s rights activist. She played a major role in organizing for workers’ rights—especially for women in garment factories—and was connected to labor reform efforts around the time of the **Triangle Shirtwaist Factory fire (1911)**, a tragedy that helped catalyze workplace safety reforms.
She’s one of those figures who reminds you: behind many modern protections were people who pushed, organized, and refused to accept “that’s just how it is.”
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Rose Bertin (1747–1813) **Rose Bertin** was a fashion designer known as the dressmaker to **Queen Marie Antoinette**. She became one of the most influential fashion figures of her time—basically an early version of a celebrity designer shaping trends and public image.
As a dad who owns exactly one “nice” outfit (and it’s mostly nice because it’s clean), I find historical fashion kind of baffling. But Bertin’s influence is real: she helped define how fashion and identity intersect on a global stage.
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A few more historical Roses worth knowing There are many notable Roses across history, but these three are the headliners tied directly to politics, activism, and arts. And that’s part of the magic of the name: it shows up in power, not just in poetry.
Which Celebrities Are Named Rose?
Famous celebrities named Rose include Rose Byrne, Rose McGowan, and Rose Leslie, and several well-known public figures have also chosen Rose for their daughters. The name feels glamorous without trying too hard—like sunglasses that cost a lot but don’t scream about it.
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Celebrities named Rose - **Rose Byrne** – Australian actress known for *Bridesmaids*, *Neighbors*, and *Insidious*. She does comedy and drama equally well, which is basically the acting version of getting a toddler to eat broccoli *and* not lick the shopping cart. - **Rose McGowan** – Actress and activist, known for *Charmed* and *Scream* and for her outspoken advocacy. - **Rose Leslie** – Scottish actress known for *Game of Thrones* (Ygritte) and *Downton Abbey*.
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Celebrity babies named Rose (content gap: let’s fill it properly) This is where the **rose baby name** gets extra interesting—because it’s a go-to choice for famous parents who could name their kid “Moon Satellite” and instead went, “Nah. Rose.”
- •Rose Matthews – daughter of Pippa Middleton and James Matthews (reported in 2022). Pippa is Catherine, Princess of Wales’ sister, so yes, this is adjacent to modern British royal-world naming vibes.
- •Rose Elizabeth Allen – daughter of musician Kris Allen (American Idol winner) and Katy Allen.
- •Rose Dorothy Dauriac – daughter of Scarlett Johansson and Romain Dauriac.
Dad note: when celebrities pick a normal name, it’s oddly comforting. Like, “Oh, you also looked at your tiny baby and thought: ‘You seem like a Rose.’” That’s humanity right there.
What Athletes Are Named Rose?
The most famous athlete connected to the name is Derrick Rose, an NBA MVP and one of the defining basketball stories of his era. Beyond him, “Rose” also appears frequently as a surname across sports, and it’s widely used in team names, stadium nicknames, and athlete branding because of its strong symbolism.
Let’s lead with the big one:
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Derrick Rose (Basketball) **Derrick Rose** won the **NBA MVP in 2011** with the Chicago Bulls, becoming (at the time) the youngest MVP in league history. His career is often discussed through the lens of extraordinary talent, injuries, and perseverance.
As a dad, I can’t watch Derrick Rose highlights without feeling something. There’s a specific kind of heartbreak when someone’s body can’t keep up with their gift—and a specific kind of courage in continuing anyway. That’s a “teach your kids about resilience” story right there.
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Other sports connections (first name and surname reality check) Now, here’s me being straight with you: **Rose is much more common as a surname in sports than as a first name**, and I’m not going to invent athletes just to pad a list (I’m a dad blogger, not a fantasy draft bot).
But if you’re looking for “famous athletes named Rose,” you’ll find: - Derrick Rose as the standout with Rose as a major name identity (first name energy, even though it’s his surname). - Many athletes across soccer, rugby, cricket, and American sports with Rose as a last name—enough that it’s a recognizable sports name even when it’s not the given name.
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Why this matters for baby naming If you name your child Rose, you’re giving them a name that already has: - **elite sports association** (thanks, Derrick) - a built-in metaphor for grit (thorns, remember?) - a name that can feel gentle but still competitive
And if your kid becomes a serious athlete? “Rose” looks great on a jersey. Clean. Iconic. Easy to chant. (Also easy to yell when you’re late to practice because someone “couldn’t find their other shoe,” which has definitely never happened in my home, nope, never.)
What Songs and Movies Feature the Name Rose?
Rose appears in iconic song titles across multiple genres and decades, and it’s also a beloved character name in film and TV—often used for characters who are memorable, romantic, or quietly tough. The name is basically Hollywood-friendly.
Let’s hit the playlist first, because “Rose” has some absolute bangers.
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Songs featuring “Rose” in the title (real classics) - **“Kiss from a Rose” – Seal (1994)** A moody, dramatic masterpiece that makes you feel like you should stare out a rainy window even if you’re just holding a Costco rotisserie chicken. - **“Every Rose Has Its Thorn” – Poison (1988)** The ultimate reminder that love hurts and hair spray once ruled the earth. - **“La Vie en Rose” – Édith Piaf (recorded 1946, released 1947)** A timeless French standard; the title roughly means “life in pink” or “life through rose-colored glasses.” - **“Rose Garden” – Lynn Anderson (1970)** Classic country hit with the famous line about promises and practicality. - **“Days of Wine and Roses” – Henry Mancini (1962)** A standard born from the film *Days of Wine and Roses*; lush, melancholy, beautiful.
Dad confession: I once made a “Rose” playlist for a friend’s baby shower and felt extremely proud of myself… until my kid added the Paw Patrol theme in the middle. Honestly, it still worked. Life is chaos. Add music.
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Movies/TV characters named Rose - **Rose DeWitt Bukater – *Titanic* (1997)** One of the most famous Roses in film history. Also responsible for a thousand “there was room on the door” arguments. - **Rose Tyler – *Doctor Who* (2005–2006)** A beloved companion, bringing heart and humanity into a huge sci-fi universe. - **Rose Nylund – *The Golden Girls*** Sweet, hilarious, and proof that “kind” can be a superpower.
That’s a wide range: romance epic, sci-fi adventure, sitcom legend. The name adapts.
Are There Superheroes Named Rose?
Yes—Rose shows up in comics as both hero-leaning and villain-adjacent characters, and it’s used in superhero worlds because it sounds classic while still feeling mysterious. It’s not as common as “Kate” or “Diana,” but it’s definitely present.
Here are a few real pop-culture/comics connections:
- •Rose Wilson (DC Comics) – Also known as Ravager, the daughter of Deathstroke (Slade Wilson). She’s an antihero-type character with a complicated storyline—exactly the kind of “Rose has thorns” energy we’ve been talking about.
- •Rose (Richard Fisk) in Marvel Comics – A crime-boss persona connected to Wilson Fisk/Kingpin’s world (note: “Rose” here is an alias used in organized-crime storylines).
And even when the character isn’t a caped headliner, writers use Rose because it can signal: - innocence (flower) - danger (thorns) - duality (beauty + toughness)
Which, again, is also how I’d describe my youngest when she’s holding a glitter jar.
What Is the Spiritual Meaning of Rose?
Spiritually, roses often symbolize love, compassion, purity, and transformation, with different colors carrying different meanings (red for romantic love, white for purity, pink for admiration). In many traditions, the rose also represents the heart—making it a powerful symbol for emotional wisdom and resilience.
Now, I’m a dad who considers it a spiritual experience when everyone gets in the car without losing a shoe, but symbolism? I’m into it. Names carry stories, and Rose carries a whole garden.
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Rose color meanings (common spiritual symbolism) - **Red rose:** love, courage, devotion - **White rose:** innocence, peace, remembrance - **Pink rose:** grace, gratitude, gentleness - **Yellow rose:** friendship, joy - **Rose (the flower) overall:** beauty + protection (hello, thorns again)
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Numerology and astrology-style vibes (the “fun but meaningful” section) If you’re into numerology, the name value depends on the system used (most commonly Pythagorean numerology). I’m not going to pretend I can calculate it in my head—I can barely calculate how many snacks we need for a “quick” trip to Target.
But generally, people associate Rose’s energy with: - Venus themes (love, beauty, harmony) because roses are strongly tied to Venus/Aphrodite symbolism in Western myth. - Heart chakra association in modern spiritual practices, since roses represent compassion and emotional openness.
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A grounded dad take Whether you’re spiritual, religious, or just sentimental, “Rose” gives you a built-in message to hand your kid: **Be soft when you can, strong when you must.** That’s a life philosophy, not just a floral situation.
What Scientists Are Named Rose?
Several notable scientists and science-adjacent innovators carry the name Rose, including influential researchers and communicators, and the name appears in academic history as both a given name and surname. While it’s more common as a last name in science, it’s still a respected, “serious-on-a-resume” kind of name.
A couple real examples worth knowing:
- •Rose Dieng-Kuntz (1956–2008) – A pioneering computer scientist in artificial intelligence; she was the first woman to be promoted to Research Director at INRIA (France’s national research institute for digital science and technology).
- •Rose George – Not a lab scientist, but a prominent author/journalist who has written deeply researched books touching public health and infrastructure (like sanitation). I’m including her because science isn’t just test tubes—it’s also systems and the real world.
And broadly, “Rose” shows up frequently in scientific publishing as a surname, which keeps it familiar in academic circles.
Dad perspective: if you’re looking for a name that can belong to an artist or a scientist, Rose is that rare middle ground—poetic but not precious.
How Is Rose Used Around the World?
Rose is used globally, often as a given name and also as a word-name, with many language variations tied directly to each culture’s word for the rose flower. It’s internationally recognizable, easy to spell, and adaptable.
Here’s one of the big content gaps people ask for: Rose meaning in different languages. While the name Rose is from Latin, the concept and equivalents exist everywhere:
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Variations and equivalents (by language/culture) - **French:** *Rose* (same spelling; very common) - **Spanish:** *Rosa* - **Italian:** *Rosa* - **Portuguese:** *Rosa* - **German/Dutch/Scandinavian usage:** *Rose* appears, though local variants and compound names are also common - **Polish/Czech/Slavic usage:** forms like *Róża* (Polish for rose) exist as given names - **Hebrew:** the word for rose is often translated as *Vered* (a modern Hebrew given name meaning rose) - **Arabic:** “rose” relates to *ward* (ورد), and names built from that root appear in Arabic-speaking cultures
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Why global usability matters If you have a multicultural family (or you’re just thinking ahead to a future where your kid backpacks Europe and calls you twice a month), Rose travels well. It’s understood almost everywhere, and it rarely gets mispronounced.
Should You Name Your Baby Rose?
Yes, if you want a timeless, elegant name with deep symbolism and global recognition, Rose is a strong choice. It’s simple but meaningful, classic but not stale, and it offers your child a name that grows beautifully from babyhood to adulthood.
Here’s my dad take, straight from the trenches of spilled cereal and bedtime negotiations:
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Why Rose works (practically and emotionally) - **Easy to spell, easy to say** (your kid won’t spend elementary school correcting everyone) - **Beautiful meaning** (the **rose name meaning** is instantly understood) - **Strong cultural presence** (music, movies, history, activism) - **Flexible style** Rose fits: - a whimsical nursery - a serious law degree - a paint-splattered art studio - a soccer field at 7 a.m. in the rain
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Popularity by year (and what that really means) In the U.S., **Rose has been steadily popular for a long time**, with periods of resurgence—especially as parents returned to short, vintage names. It’s not usually the #1 name in a given year, but it consistently stays in the conversation, which is the sweet spot: familiar, not fad-driven.
If you want the most precise “popularity by year,” the best source is the U.S. Social Security Administration (SSA) baby name database, which tracks annual rankings. (I’ve spent more time on that site than I’ve spent choosing a health insurance plan, which says a lot about me and also about America.)
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My final, honest dad thought When you name a baby, you’re giving them a word they’ll hear more than almost any other word for the rest of their life. You want it to feel like home. You want it to feel like possibility.
Rose feels like that.
It’s soft enough to whisper at bedtime. Strong enough to shout across a playground. Classic enough for a graduation program. Warm enough for a grandma to say with tears in her eyes.
And one day—when your kid is older, and you’re older, and the house is quieter in that strange way you can’t imagine when you’re stepping on Legos at midnight—you’ll say their name and feel the whole story of them in it.
A rose is a flower, sure. But it’s also proof that something can be delicate and durable at the same time.
Dad here, and that’s kind of what we’re all trying to raise.