Rosanna is a feminine given name with origins in the Latin language. It is a combination of the Latin words "rosa," meaning rose, and "anna," a variant of the Hebrew name Hannah, meaning grace or favor. The name rose to prominence during the Middle Ages in parts of Europe, particularly in Italy and Spain.

In the early Christian era, the name Rosanna gained religious significance, as the rose became a symbol of the Virgin Mary in Catholic iconography. It was adopted by devout families as a way to honor the Mother of Christ and express their devotion to the faith.

One of the earliest recorded instances of the name Rosanna can be found in the 12th century, when it was borne by Rosanna of Villeneuve, a French noblewoman who lived from around 1180 to 1246. She was known for her piety and charitable works, and was later canonized as a saint by the Catholic Church.

In the Renaissance period, the name Rosanna became more widely used across Europe, particularly in Italy. One notable figure was Rosanna Capponi, an Italian noblewoman and patron of the arts, who lived from 1472 to 1529. She was known for her influential role in the cultural and intellectual life of Florence during the Renaissance.

During the 17th century, the name Rosanna was popular among Spanish and Portuguese families, often given to daughters born on the feast day of Saint Rose of Lima, the first Catholic saint of the Americas, who lived from 1586 to 1617.

In the 19th century, the name Rosanna gained popularity in English-speaking countries, particularly in the United States and the United Kingdom. One notable bearer of the name was Rosanna Osterman, an American actress and singer who lived from 1847 to 1922. She was a prominent figure in the early days of vaudeville and musical theater.

Another famous Rosanna was Rosanna Leprohon, a Canadian novelist and poet who lived from 1829 to 1879. She was a pioneering figure in French-Canadian literature and is considered one of the first notable female writers in Canada.

Throughout history, the name Rosanna has been borne by many other notable figures, including Rosanna Arquette, an American actress born in 1959, and Rosanna Davison, an Irish model, author, and former Miss World, born in 1984.