Sophia Girl
soh-FEE-uh
“wisdom” · Greek
#5
Rosa
GirlLatin, Spanish· “rose”
- Meaning
- rose
- Origin
- Latin, Spanish
- Pronunciation
- ROH-zuh
- Syllables
- 2
- US rank 2025
- #653
- US babies 2025
- 441
- Best rank
- #52 (1880)
- Peak year
- 1925
Meaning and origin of Rosa
Rosa is a Latin and Spanish name that means “rose”.
Rosa is the Latin word for rose and the everyday form of the name in Spanish, Italian, Portuguese and many other European languages. Saint Rose of Lima, the first saint born in the Americas, is known in Spanish as Santa Rosa de Lima. In the United States the name is linked with Rosa Parks, whose refusal to give up her bus seat became a defining moment of the civil rights movement. Rosa is warm, classic and easy to pronounce across many languages. Rosie is a sweet nickname, and Rose is the English equivalent.
Other spellings with the same sound: Roza.
Popularity over time
Rosa has been given to babies in the United States since at least 1880, the first year of Social Security records. It has ranked in the top 1,000 in 146 different years. Its best national rank was #52 in 1880, and the most babies received it in 1925, when 2,230 were named Rosa. In 2025, 441 babies were named Rosa, and it ranked #653 nationally. Its use has been fairly steady over the past decade.
Its national rank moved from #116 in 1920, #155 in 1950, #204 in 1980, #315 in 2000, #564 in 2010, and #653 in 2025. Of the 177,415 US girls named Rosa since records began, 12% were born in the 1920s, its biggest decade. The 1950s come next, with 19,876 babies. Since 2010, 7,383 more have been named Rosa.
Other girls' names that peaked around the same time include Geneva, Miriam, Bette, Margie, and Antoinette.
Where it is most popular (2025)
In 2025, Rosa ranked highest in Arkansas, Nebraska, and Ohio.
| State | Rank there | Babies |
|---|---|---|
| Arkansas | #365 | 9 |
| Nebraska | #387 | 6 |
| Ohio | #502 | 22 |
| North Carolina | #506 | 22 |
| Tennessee | #527 | 15 |
Gender, sound and spelling
In the US it is used almost only for girls.
Rosa is usually pronounced ROH-zuh, with two syllables. It has four letters, starts with R and ends in “-sa”. Names that sound the same but are spelled differently include Roza.
Middle names for Rosa
A few middle names that flow with Rosa: each avoids a matching first letter, a rhyme and a vowel clash where the names meet.
Sibling names for Rosa
Similar names
Alma Girl
AHL-muh
“nourishing, kind; soul (Spanish)” · Latin
#449
Rosie Girl
ROH-zee
“rose” · English
#283
Flora Girl
FLAW-ruh
“flower” · Latin
#607
Jazmin Girl
JAZ-mihn
“jasmine flower” · Spanish
#710
Dahlia Girl
DAL-yuh
“the dahlia flower” · Swedish
#215
Julissa Girl
joo-LIH-suh
“elaboration of Julia” · Spanish
#1,136
Dayana Girl
dah-YAH-nuh
“form of Diana; divine” · Spanish
#716
Dalia Girl
DAHL-yuh
“dahlia flower; also Hebrew 'branch'” · Spanish
#800
Lilia Girl
LIHL-ee-uh
“lily” · Latin
#859
Lily Girl
LIH-lee
“lily flower” · English
#18
Luna Girl
LOO-nuh
“moon” · Latin
#27
Eva Girl
EE-vuh
“life” · Latin
#134
Lists that include Rosa
Frequently asked questions
What does the name Rosa mean?
Rosa is a Latin and Spanish name that means “rose”.
What is the origin of the name Rosa?
Rosa has Latin, Spanish, and Italian roots. Rosa is the Latin word for rose and the everyday form of the name in Spanish, Italian, Portuguese and many other European languages.
Is Rosa a popular name?
Yes. Rosa ranked #653 in the US in 2025, which makes it in the top 1,000.
Is Rosa a boy or girl name?
Rosa is mainly a girl's name. In the US it is used almost only for girls.
How do you pronounce Rosa?
Rosa is usually pronounced ROH-zuh. Stressed syllables are in capital letters.
Popularity figures come from US Social Security card applications (names given to at least five babies in a year, 1880 to 2025). How we source names and meanings