A female name. Old German Rosamunda, compound of hros or ros ‘horse’ and munda ‘protection’. In the Middle Ages, however, it was regarded as a Latin name rosa + munda = pure or clean rose'. It was introduced into England by the Normans, a famous example being Rosamund Clifford (d. 1176), the unfortunate mistress of Henry II. The surnames Roseaman, Rosomon, Rosemond, Rosamund are derived from it. Rosamund, unlike many names of Germanic origin, survived the Renaissance and was fairly common in the 17th C, usually spelt Rosamond (the French form, cf Edmond for Edmund), held its own in the 18th and 19th C, and is now somewhat more common than it has been for several centuries.

Rosamunda Curia Regis Rolls 1205, 1207, Hundred Rolls 1273. Rosemunda Feudal Aids 1303. Rosamond Feet of Fines 1282. Rossamond Yorks Rec 1604. Rozeman Church Registers of St. James’s, Clerkenwell, 1551-1754 1665.

Some derive the name of Fair Rosamund from rosa mundi, the rose of the world; or from rosa and Anglo-Saxon mund, a mouth, ‘from her rosy-coloured lips.’ Both etymologies are objectionable, especially the latter, from being a hybrid. The name, which is found written Rosamond, Rosamunda, Rosemonde, is of Teutonic origin, having been formed from the old male name Hrosmund, softened down from Ruodmunt, same as the Old and Middle High German name Hrothmond (Icelandic Hrothmundr, Old Gothic Ratmund). Junius translates Ruodmunt ‘red mouth;’ Wachter, ‘vir utilis et consultus.’ The name is from ruod-munt for rad-mund, man for counsel, councillor; or from rad-munt, protector in counsel.

Teutonic & Latin (feminine) - Rose of the world.

A Latin name, meaning: Rose of the world. (German) Pro­tection.