ROSE. This conniion and very beautiful name is somewhat diflicult to account for. I am inclined to think that it is often a substitution for Ross. The rose, it is true, has in all ages been regarded as the " Queen of Flowers," and as such has ever been associated with poetry and symbolism ; but how it became a surname, I cnn only conjecture, tliat it was from the device of the original bearer, Avhether that was displayed upon the jatriciau banner, or upon the ignoble sign-post. Salverte mentions a noble family of Poland, in the twelfth century, who are known to have adopted their surname of Rose from the charge of their shield ; and he adduces other instances of a similar practice. Essai, i. 240, &c. The Roses of ISTairnshire, settled there from temp. Alexander III., originally wrote themselves De Roos. Hugh Rose of Geddes, by marriage with the heiress of Byset, acquired the lands of Ivilravock, and had a crown charter of the barony from King John Baliol. " From that period the estate has descended lineally to the present in'oprictor." B.L.G.

Lower, Mark A (1860) Patronymica Britannica: a dictionary of the family names of the United Kingdom. London: J.R. Smith. Public Domain.