The name Rosalynn is of English origin, derived from the combination of the Germanic elements "hros" meaning "horse" and "lind" meaning "tender" or "soft." It is believed to have emerged during the Middle Ages, around the 12th or 13th century.

The earliest recorded use of the name Rosalynn can be traced back to the 14th century in England. It was originally a variant spelling of the name Rosalind, which was popularized by the character Rosalind in Shakespeare's play "As You Like It," written around 1599-1600.

One of the earliest known individuals with the name Rosalynn was Rosalynn Fairfax (c. 1580 - c. 1650), an English noblewoman and courtier during the reign of King James I. She served as a lady-in-waiting to Queen Anne of Denmark and was known for her beauty and wit.

Another notable Rosalynn from history was Rosalynn Howe (1665 - 1734), an English Quaker minister and author. She wrote several religious tracts and was a prominent figure in the Quaker community of her time.

In the 19th century, Rosalynn Bancroft (1824 - 1891) was an American educator and suffragist. She founded several schools for girls and was actively involved in the women's rights movement, advocating for equal educational opportunities for women.

A more recent historical figure with the name Rosalynn is Rosalynn Carter (born 1927), the wife of former United States President Jimmy Carter. She was an influential First Lady and advocated for various causes, including mental health awareness and childhood immunization programs.

Rosalynn Sumners (1919 - 2008) was an American journalist and writer. She worked as a foreign correspondent for various publications and wrote several books, including a memoir about her experiences as a war correspondent during World War II.

While the name Rosalynn has English roots, it has been adopted and used in various cultures around the world, often with slight variations in spelling or pronunciation. However, the meaning and historical significance remain closely tied to its Germanic and English origins.