ROSALIND

Derived from the Germanic elements hros "horse" and linde "soft, tender". This name was introduced by the Normans to England, though it was not common. During the Middle Ages its spelling was influenced by the Latin phrase rosa linda "beautiful rose". The name was popularized by Edmund Spencer, who used it in his poetry, and by William Shakespeare, who used it for the heroine in his comedy 'As You Like It' (1599).