What Is the Christian Meaning of the Name Rose?

Both the flower and the name Rose have a rich faith legacy.

Besides being a favorite flower of couples in love, rose is also a popular name for Christian girls. Its meaning and faith heritage date to the Old Testament book Song of Solomon, written around 538 B.C. In addition, several Christian saints are named Rose.

Word Origin

The name stems from the Latin word "rosa," signifying the flower.

Biblical Roots

The Song of Solomon uses the rose to describe the purity and beauty of a bride and symbolically that of a believer wholly united to God: "I am the rose of Sharon, and the lily of the valley" (2:1). Christianity also applies the title "rose of Sharon" to Jesus as the sinless son of God.

Saints

According to Catholic.org, Rose is the name of four saints: St. Rose of Lima (1586-1617); Blessed Rose Venerini (1656-1728); Blessed Rose Chretien (1711-1794); and St. Rose Philippine Duchesne (1769-1852).

Prayer

Rose is also associated with Christian prayer. For example, the rosary--a popular meditative prayer method based on the life of Jesus--literally means "a garden (or garland) of roses" (Latin, rosarius).

Virgin Mary

Roses are often depicted in artwork of Mary, the mother of Jesus, especially under the Mexican image of "Our Lady of Guadalupe."

References

• JesusAnswers: Christian Names for Girls
• Bible Resources: Passage Lookup
• Catholic Online: Saints Index

Resources

• Meaning of Biblical Names