Find out how popular the first name Rosario has been for the last 50 years (from 1974 to 2023) and learn more about the meaning and history.

Popularity of Rosario by gender

Based on the last 50 years of data, Rosario is more commonly used as a female name, with approximately 78% of people named Rosario being female.

For the most recent data in 2023, there were 69 female babies and 31 male babies born with the name Rosario.

The history of the first name Rosario

The name Rosario has its origins in Latin, derived from the word "rosarium," which means "rose garden" or "garland of roses." It is a name deeply rooted in Christian religious tradition and symbolism.

The name gained widespread popularity during the Middle Ages in Europe, particularly in areas with strong Catholic influence, such as Italy, Spain, and Portugal. It is believed to have been initially used as a descriptive name for churches or chapels adorned with rose decorations or dedicated to the Blessed Virgin Mary, who is often associated with the rose symbolism.

One of the earliest recorded references to the name Rosario can be found in the 13th century work "Legenda Aurea" (Golden Legend) by Jacobus de Voragine, a collection of hagiographies that recounts the lives of saints. The text mentions the use of rosaries, which were strings of beads used for counting prayers, particularly the repetition of Hail Marys.

Throughout history, several notable individuals have borne the name Rosario. One of the most famous was Saint Rosario Livatino, an Italian judge and martyr who was assassinated by the Sicilian Mafia in 1990 for his unwavering commitment to justice. He was beatified by Pope John Paul II in 1993.

Another prominent figure was Rosario Castellanos, a Mexican poet, novelist, and diplomat, born in 1925. She was a pioneering voice for indigenous rights and feminism in Mexico, and her works explored themes of identity, gender, and social injustice.

In the realm of music, Rosario Bourdon was a renowned Canadian operatic soprano who gained international acclaim in the late 19th and early 20th centuries. She was particularly known for her interpretations of French and Italian operas.

The name Rosario also holds significance in the history of education. Rosario Castellanos was a renowned Spanish educator and philosopher who lived in the late 15th and early 16th centuries. She was a pioneer in advocating for the education of women and is considered one of the first feminist thinkers in Spain.

Lastly, Rosario Candela was an influential Italian-American architect who played a significant role in shaping the iconic skyline of New York City in the early 20th century. He designed many prestigious residential buildings in Manhattan, including several along Park Avenue and Central Park West.

Data source

The first name data used on this page comes from the Social Security Administration (SSA). They've been collecting data on baby names since 1880.

The history and meaning of the name Rosario was researched and written by our team of onomatology and genealogy experts.

If you have a correction or suggestion to improve the history of Rosario, please contact us.

Reference this page

We spend a lot of resources downloading, cleaning, merging, and formatting the data that is shown on the site.

If you found the data or information on this page useful in your research, please use the tool below to properly cite or reference Name Census as the source. We appreciate your support!