Last Name Rosa

The surname "Rosa" has both Spanish and Italian origins. In Spanish, "Rosa" is derived from the Latin word "rosa," which means "rose." It is a topographic or locational surname typically given to people who lived near a place with roses or had associations with the flower. In Italian, "Rosa" also comes from the Latin word "rosa" and has the same meaning. It is a popular surname in Italy, primarily found in regions such as Lombardy, Piedmont, Sicily, and Sardinia. Overall, the surname "Rosa" is linked to the beauty and symbolism of the rose flower and has variations in different languages and cultures.

Race and Ethnicity of people with the last name Rosa

The Decennial U.S. Census also provides information on the ethnicity of those with the Rosa surname. From 2000 to 2010, there was a significant shift in the ethnic identities associated with this surname. The percentage of those identifying as Hispanic increased from 61.34% to 64.96%, making this the largest ethnic group associated with the Rosa surname. On the other hand, individuals identifying as two or more races saw a decrease from 3.11% to 1.11%. Those identifying as White made up 32.34% of the total in 2000 but decreased to 30.00% by 2010. There was also a notable increase in those identifying as Black, from 1.87% to 2.62%. The percentage of those identifying as Asian/Pacific Islander remained the same at 1.18%, while American Indian and Alaskan Native identifiers slightly decreased from 0.15% to 0.14%.

	2000	2010	Change
Hispanic	61.34%	64.96%	5.9%
White	32.34%	30%	-7.24%
Black	1.87%	2.62%	40.11%
Asian/Pacific Islander	1.18%	1.18%	0%
Two or More Races	3.11%	1.11%	-64.31%
American Indian and Alaskan Native	0.15%	0.14%	-6.67%

Rosa ancestry composition

NomOrigine computes an ancestry breakdown for each customer. People may have ancestry from just one population or they may have ancestry from several populations. The most commonly-observed ancestry found in people with the surname Rosa is Spanish & Portuguese, which comprises 38.6% of all ancestry found in people with the surname. The next two most common ancestries are British & Irish (14.0%) and Italian (10.0%). Additional ancestries include French & German, Indigenous American, Eastern European, Nigerian, and Angolan & Congolese.

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ANCESTRY BREAKDOWN	COMPOSITION
Spanish & Portuguese	38.6%
British & Irish	14.0%
Italian	10.0%
Other	37.4%

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Learn more about the origin of the last name Rosa

The meaning and origin of the last name Rosa

The surname Rosa is derived from the Latin word "rosa," meaning "rose." The name originated as a topographic or habitational surname, referring to someone who either lived near a place with roses or worked with roses. It may also have developed as a nickname, indicating a person with rosy or beautiful complexion, akin to the flower's vibrant color. The surname Rosa can be found in various countries across the world, including Italy, Spain, Portugal, and other Latin American countries, as well as among Jewish and Portuguese Sephardic communities. It is a relatively common surname, highlighting the enduring beauty and symbolism associated with the rose. The name Rosa resonates with elegance, romance, and nature, reflecting the virtues often attributed to this delicate flower.

Geographical distribution of the last name Rosa

The last name Rosa has a widespread geographical distribution, reflecting its origins and migration patterns throughout history. This surname is common in several countries and regions globally. In countries like Italy, Spain, and Portugal, Rosa is a popular last name due to its linguistic connection to the word for "rose" in these Romance languages. These countries have a significant proportion of the population with this surname. Furthermore, the name Rosa can be found in Latin American countries like Brazil, Argentina, and Mexico, which have a strong historical link to Spain and Portugal due to colonization. Additionally, the last name Rosa has also expanded its reach to other parts of Europe and even North America due to migration and diaspora movements. The distribution of the last name Rosa showcases its multicultural presence and highlights the diverse roots of individuals bearing this surname.

Variants and spellings of the last name Rosa

The last name Rosa can have several variations and spellings depending on cultural and regional influences. In English-speaking countries, it is commonly spelled as Rosa, while in Spanish-speaking countries, it is often spelled as Rosas. Other variations and spellings include Roza, Rosha, Rossi, Roosa, Roos, Roosah, and Rosia. These variations may stem from different linguistic backgrounds, historical influences, or individual family preferences. For instance, Rossi is an Italian form of the name, while Roza can be found in Eastern European and Jewish communities. It is worth noting that the pronunciation may slightly differ across these variations, with some emphasizing the "o" sound, like in Rosa, while others have a softer pronunciation, like in Rossi. Ultimately, the variations and spellings of the last name Rosa illustrate the richness and diversity of personal and cultural identities across different parts of the world.

Famous people with the last name Rosa

Famous people with the last name Rosa have made significant contributions in various fields, leaving their mark on history and inspiring others. One notable figure is Joaquin Balaguer, a prominent Dominican politician who served as President of the Dominican Republic for multiple terms. Known for his intellect and charismatic leadership, Balaguer played a crucial role in shaping the modern political landscape of his country. On a different note, Linda Ronstadt, an iconic American singer, achieved tremendous success in the music industry. With her powerful voice and diverse musical style, Ronstadt became one of the most successful female artists of her time, earning numerous Grammy Awards and sales in the millions. The legacy of famous Rosas extends beyond politics and music, as Lucy Rosa is recognized for her contributions to the field of science. As an accomplished scientist, Rosa has made significant breakthroughs in the study of climate change, focusing particularly on the impact of rising sea levels on coastal ecosystems. These individuals, among many other notable Rosas, have left an indelible mark on their respective domains and continue to inspire generations to come.

Genealogical research on the last name Rosa

The last name Rosa has a rich genealogical history that originates from different regions around the world. In Italy, Rosa is a common surname, typically associated with individuals from the southern regions such as Sicily, Calabria, and Campania. It is derived from the Latin word "rosa," meaning "rose," and could potentially refer to a family's association with the flower or signify a connection to the town of Rosa in Piedmont. Additionally, the surname Rosa can also have Spanish and Portuguese origins, where it may be derived from the Latin word "rusa," which translates to "red-colored" or "reddish-brown." This suggests the possibility of ancestral ties to Spain or Portugal. Over time, individuals with the last name Rosa migrated to various parts of the world, leading to its prominence in countries like the United States, Brazil, and Argentina. Through genealogical research, one can explore the diverse roots and varied historical paths of individuals with the last name Rosa.

Last name distribution maps

Sources & References

• INSEE statistics on the surname "Rosa"
• Global distribution of the surname 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 : 11 April 2025

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