rísa

Rósa is a feminine given name primarily used in Icelandic, Hungarian, and other Central European contexts. The name derives from the Latin word “rosa,” meaning “rose,” and it entered the Nordic and Hungarian languages through medieval ecclesiastical and literary traditions. In Icelandic, the acute accent marks a long vowel, rendering the pronunciation roughly as /ˈrouːsa/. The Hungarian form, Róza, shares the same origin but is often spelled without the accent in contemporary usage.

The name gained popularity in medieval Icelandic sagas, where it appears in several genealogical lists and as the name of minor characters, reinforcing its association with beauty and femininity. In Hungary, Rósa was widely given during the 19th and early 20th centuries, reflecting a broader European trend of botanical names.

Notable bearers of the name include Rósa Þóroddsdóttir (born 1975), an Icelandic poet and translator known for her contributions to contemporary Nordic literature, and Rósa Máté (1905–1996), a Hungarian operatic soprano who performed at the Budapest Opera House. The name also appears in folklore; in Icelandic legend, Rósa the Red-haired is a recurring figure in folk tales that emphasize themes of love and perseverance.

Although the name Rósa is less common today, it remains in use as a cultural reference to traditional naming practices. Variants such as Rosa, Rosalie, and Rozalia continue to be popular across Europe and the Americas, preserving the symbolic connection to the rose flower.