Origin and meaning of the name Rossa

The name Rossa is of Italian origin. It is a feminine given name that is derived from the adjective "rossa," which means red in Italian. This name could have been given to a baby born with red hair or as a reference to something red, such as the color of a flower or the setting sun. However, it's also possible for names to be passed down through generations without any specific meaning or association with a particular object or trait.

Learn more about the origin of the name Rossa

The meaning, etymology, and origin of the name Rossa

The name Rossa is derived from the Italian language, where it means "red" or "redhead." This feminine name has its roots in the Italian language, as the word 'rossa' translates to red in English. Its usage and popularity can be traced back to various regions of Italy, though its exact origins are not definitively known. The name Rossa gained international recognition through the character "Rossa Carbonara," a fictional character created by author Gianni Rodari. This children's book character has contributed to the increased popularity and recognition of the name Rossa outside of Italy.

Character traits associated with the name Rossa

Rossa is often associated with individuals who exhibit strong-willed, independent, and passionate characteristics. Named after the Italian word for 'red', this name may suggest a vibrant and fiery spirit. People named Rossa are typically assertive, determined, and not afraid to take risks. They possess a deep sense of creativity and an instinctive drive towards self-expression. However, their strong personality can sometimes lead to stubbornness and a tendency to challenge authority. Additionally, Rossas often exhibit a fierce loyalty to their friends and loved ones. Overall, they are individuals who live with intensity, passion, and a love for bold adventures.

Popularity of the name Rossa

Rossa is a relatively uncommon given name for females in the English-speaking world. The name originates from Italian and means "red" or "redhead." Despite its attractive meaning and unique sound, its rarity contributes to its low popularity. According to data from the United States Social Security Administration, as of 2019, Rossa ranked 3,657 out of 5,048 for girls' names, with only 23 babies receiving this name in a year. In comparison, more common feminine names like Emily, Olivia, and Ava were among the top 10 most popular names in the same year. Overall, Rossa remains an uncommon choice for newborn girls in English-speaking countries.

Famous people with the name Rossa

Rossa (Rossa meaning 'red' in Italian) is a rare yet significant name that has been borne by several renowned individuals across various fields. One of the most notable is Rossa Caputto, an American actress best known for her roles in "The Sopranos" and "Boardwalk Empire." In the world of music, Rosa Pascoal, a Portuguese singer, gained fame with hits like "Eu Te Amo" and "Alegria." Rossano Brazzi, an Italian actor, was popular in Hollywood during the 1950s, starring alongside stars such as Marilyn Monroe and Sophia Loren. Additionally, Rossana Podesta, a Brazilian-born American actress, is known for her roles in "Beverly Hills, 90210" and "The O.C." Lastly, Rossana de Benedictis, an Italian politician and journalist, served as the President of the European Parliament from 1987 to 1989. These notable individuals showcase the diverse achievements associated with the name Rossa.

Variations of the name Rossa

Rossa is primarily a feminine given name with Italian origins, meaning "red". However, due to its rarity and cultural diversity, there are several variants and spellings found across different languages and cultures. Here are some variations:

1. Rossa (Italian) - the original Italian form of the name.
2. Rosa (Spanish, Portuguese, Italian, Catalan, Dutch, German, Swedish, Norwegian, Danish, Finnish, Estonian, Russian, Romanian, Bulgarian, Polish, Czech, Slovak, Slovene, Croatian, Serbian, Macedonian, Greek, Hebrew) - a common name meaning "rose" in many languages, which is phonetically similar to Rossa but not an exact match.
3. Roxanne (English, French) - a feminine given name with Persian roots, though it shares similarity with Rossa due to the 'Ross' component.
4. Roisin (Irish Gaelic), Rosina (Italian, Spanish) - while not direct variations of Rossa, they are names that share the 'ros' prefix, suggesting a possible connection or similar origin.
5. Róża (Polish), Roza (Czech, Slovak) - Eastern European versions of Rosa, though their pronunciation is more similar to Rossa.
6. Raissa (Russian), Rayna (Bulgarian) - these names have distinct meanings but share a phonetic resemblance to Rossa, particularly in rapid speech or informal contexts.
7. Ròise (Scottish Gaelic) and Roisín Dubh (Irish Gaelic) - these are Irish names that, while not direct variants of Rossa, share a similar sound and possibly a shared cultural origin.

Sources & References

• INSEE statistics on the first name "rossa"
• Global distribution of the first name on Forebears.io
• Wikipedia Article

About the author :

NomOrigine Team
Passionate about genealogy, name history, and linguistics, we have been analyzing the origins of names for over 3 years. Our content is based on verified historical, etymological, and statistical data.
Last updated : 29 July 2025

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