Rosalind

At a Glance

Meaning

From elements meaning roughly 'horse' and 'soft/tender' — something like 'gentle horse'

Origin

Germanic

Gender

Girl

Pronunciation

RAH-zuh-lindListen

Rosalind (pronounced RAH-zuh-lind) comes from Germanic roots that combine elements meaning "horse" and "soft" or "tender" — something closer to "gentle horse" than the "beautiful rose" story you may have heard, which actually traces back to a later mix-up with the Spanish phrase "rosa linda." It has an unfussy, wandering quality that fits parents drawn to free-spirited, well-traveled, nature-loving names.

Meaning & Origin of Rosalind

Meaning: From elements meaning roughly 'horse' and 'soft/tender' — something like 'gentle horse'.

Origin: Germanic.

A common claim: Rosalind is widely believed to mean 'beautiful rose' or 'pretty rose.' Actually: That's a folk etymology from a medieval reinterpretation linking it to Spanish 'rosa linda' — the real Germanic roots mean 'horse' + 'soft/tender.'

Source: Wiktionary, Wikipedia.

How to Pronounce Rosalind

Popularity of Rosalind

Between 1888 and 2024, Rosalind hit its high point in 1942, ranking #292 with 537 babies given the name that year. By 2024 it had settled at #1475, with just 148 babies named Rosalind.

Names Like Rosalind

These names share Rosalind’s style, era or origin.

• Azura
• Paloma
• Xochitl
• Cielo
• Jade
• Nevada

FAQ

What does the name Rosalind mean?

From elements meaning roughly ‘horse’ and ‘soft/tender’ — something like ‘gentle horse’. (Source: Wiktionary)

How do you pronounce Rosalind?

Rosalind is pronounced RAH-zuh-lind (IPA: /ˈrɑːzəlɪnd/).

Is Rosalind a popular name right now?

Rosalind peaked at #292 in 1942 and is ranked #1475 as of 2024. (U.S. Social Security Administration data, 1888–2024.)

Make Rosalind Name Art

Free printable nursery art for Rosalind, pre-loaded below — pick a layout, palette, and font, then download a print-ready PNG.