This week’s pick of the week is the romantic Rosamund.
It is a name which isn’t quite what it seems.
Even in medieval times, the name was associated with the Latin rosa “rose.”
It was taken one step further, with mund interpreted as the Latin munda “pure” or mundi “of the world” — thus “pure rose” or “rose of the world.”
As a result it even became an epithet of Mary.
But they were wrong.
In fact Rosamund is an Old German name, a combination of (h)ros “horse” and munda “protection.”
It was taken to the British Isles by the Normans.
An early, but significant bearer was the tragic Rosamund Clifford (bef. 1150-c.1176), the mistress of King Henry II.
Known as “Fair Rosamund,” many legends surround her.
Henry was said to have kept her in a house surrounded by a maze which only he could penetrate. Unfortunately, his queen, Eleanor of Aquitaine, managed to breach it too.
She ensured that Rosamund was sufficiently mistreated that she died not long after – a tale distincitly reminiscent of the Greek myths surrounding Zeus and Hera.
Whether she bore Henry any children or not is still disputed.
Other bearers include the British actress and Oxford graduate Rosamund Pike (b.1979), who played Jane Bennet in the 2005 film version of Pride and Prejudice, and British novelist, Rosamunde Pilcher (b.1924).
Variants include Rosamond, Rosamunde, and Rosemonde, and it shortens comfortably to Rose, Rosie, Rosa, Ros and Roz, as well as the more unusual Mundy or Romy, and quirky Momo.
Rosamund has never been in the US top 1000; Rosamond featured a little in the late nineteenth and early twentieth century, but never got into the top 500.
In 2010, less than three baby girls in America received the name — if any at all — in any form.
The name fares a little better in Britain, where six little girls were called Rosamund in 2010.
Why this beautiful, classic and romantic name has been so long neglected is anyone’s guess, but surely it is ripe for resurrection?
Nook of Names
Rosamund/Rosamund is a lovely name, and it’s a pity she isn’t seen as more usable.
I have seen people say that either she sounds too upper-class and pretentious for an average person, or else that the -mund ending seems masculine, because they’ve only seen it on Edmund. (I guess they think the name is a cross between Rose and Edmund or something).
I hope her day comes again; in the meantime, fantastic choice for someone who wants a rarely used name.
I can’t say I’ve ever thought of it as a particularly aristocratic or pretentious name, unlike the likes of, say, Arabella or Camilla. It was certainly used by all classes in the UK at the turn of the last century.
And you know my thoughts on this whole masculine/feminine malarkey
. In fact, you might think that, if anything, that vaguely “masculine” feel that -mund perhaps lends it because of its strong association with Edmund might appeal to those looking for a traditional girl’s name which isn’t too “girly-girly.”
It’s such a beautiful name, I don’t understand why people don’t use it. And if someone has an issue with -mund, why not Rosalind?
Rosalind’s certainly another lovely old combination of Rose which is sadly neglected at present!
[...] Nook of Names profiled Rosamund. One of my favorites! I prefer the Rosamond spelling, quirky medieval misinterpretations and all. Rosalind, mentioned in the comments, is another lovely option. [...]
[...] Rosamund ♀ — Old German (hros) “horse” + munda “protection.” [...]
[...] Rosamund — Old German: (h)ros “horse” + mund “protection.” [...]
[...] Rosamund [...]