Etymology & Historical Origin of the Baby Name Ross

Ross is the transferred use of a surname with multiple origins. Most commonly considered Scottish, Ross is believed to come from the Gaelic word “ros” meaning “headland”. It is also a surname perpetuated by Norman-Frenchmen hailing from Rots, Normandy who came to settle in southern Scotland after the Conquest of 1066. The etymology of “Rots” is uncertain. Thirdly, Ross may find its roots from an ancient Anglo-Saxon personal name “Rozzo” meaning “renowned”. Also from an Anglo-Saxon perspective, the surname could have been derived from an occupational name from the Germanic “hros” meaning “horse” to describe a horse breeder or a keeper of horses. Lastly, some say Ross developed as a Scottish nickname for a redhead (possibly from the Italian “rosso” meaning “red”). This multifaceted surname first appeared in the Domesday Book of 1086 indentifying a “de Ros” in Yorkshire. The Ross Clan is a Scottish Highland clan who trace their ancestry to a Gaelic medieval lordship known as the Earls of Ross dating back to the 13th century. Shakespeare used the name Ross for a minor Scottish character in his c. 1606 play “Macbeth”. Not surprisingly Ross is currently a Top 100 favorite name for little lads in Scotland.

All About the Baby Name – Ross

Personality

OF THE BOY NAME ROSS

The number Eight personality has everything to do with power, wealth and abundance. Somehow, this personality has been blessed on the material plane, but their authoritative and problem-solving traits provide evidence that their good fortunes are not just the luck of the lottery. They are well earned. This is the personality of CEOs and high-ranking military personnel. Eights are intensely active, hard-driving individuals. Success is only meaningful to them after a job well-done.  They are remarkable in their ability to see the larger picture right down to the smallest details, and organize a strategy around success. They then have the ability to direct a group around them toward any goal, and realize individual potential to get the most out of their team.

Popularity

OF THE BOY NAME ROSS

Ross has held a position on the American male naming charts for as long as the U.S. government has been tracking naming trends (1880). And it has done so without interruption. For the most part Ross was used with consistent and respectable moderation during the 20th century. His peak popularity came in the mid-1980s possibly influenced by successful businessman and presidential hopeful Ross Perot. However, as we’ve turned into the 21st century Ross has quickly fallen out of style. Since the year 2000 the name has dropped so dramatically on the charts he is now dangerously close to going out of circulation altogether. If you’re looking for a one-syllable name with Scottish origins then Ross might be a good bet (Bruce, Keith, Graham and Roy are other options). Understated and quietly dignified, Ross is a name currently neglected by American parents and so now makes a familiar yet original choice.

Quick Facts

ON ROSS

GENDER:

Boy

ORIGIN:

English

NUMBER OF SYLLABLES:

1

RANKING POPULARITY:

960

PRONUNCIATION:

RAHS

SIMPLE MEANING:

Headlands, Renowned, Horse or Redhead

Characteristics

OF ROSS

Authoritative

Powerful

Tough

Tenacious

Wealthy

Problem-solver

Achiever

Cultural References to the Baby Name – Ross

Literary Characters

OF THE BABY NAME ROSS

Mattie Ross is the narrator of True Grit, a 1968 novel by Charles Portis that was later made into two Academy Award winning films, in 1969 and 2010. If ever the word “plucky” applied to a character, it does to Mattie Ross. She is a fourteen year old rancher’s daughter who is determined to capture the murderer of her father. To this end, she takes it upon herself to enlist the services of an old has-been U. S. Marshall, Rooster Cogburn, whom she’s heard has “grit”. That’s reason enough for Mattie, for courage, determination and persistence - in a word - grit, are high virtues in her world. With clear-sightedness and the bravery of a woman three times her age, Mattie participates fully in her little “posse”, enduring ridicule, discomfort and attempted murder to get her man. Get him she does, with a little help, and revenge is duly meted out. Life was harsh in the Territories in the 19th century, most certainly so for women, and most assuredly so for female children. Mattie Ross is a young woman of her times, yet beyond them, who deserves the accolade of “True Grit” for her very own self!

We cannot find any significant literary characters by the name of Ross

Childrens Books

ON THE BABY NAME ROSS

We cannot find any childrens books with the first name Ross


Popular Songs

ON ROSS

Alicia Ross
a song by Kathleen Edwards

Famous People

NAMED ROSS

Ross Perot (U.S. businessman and notable presidential candidate)
Ross Mathews (TV personality)
Ross Noble (comedian)
Ross Bagdasarian (pianist, songwriter)
Ross Wilson (gamer)

Children of Famous People

NAMED ROSS

We cannot find any children of famous people with the first name Ross

Historic Figures

WITH THE NAME ROSS

We cannot find any historically significant people with the first name Ross