'rosemary' originates from Latin, specifically the word 'rosmarinus', where 'ros' meant 'dew' and 'marinus' meant 'of the sea'.

'rosemary' changed from Old French 'rosmarin' and Middle English forms such as 'rosmery' and eventually became the modern English word 'rosemary'.

Initially it meant 'dew of the sea' (the Latin name for the plant), and over time it came to refer specifically to the aromatic evergreen shrub we call 'rosemary' today; the botanical reference has remained central while figurative uses (e.g., remembrance) developed later.