Rowan
/ROH-ən/
Rowan is a unisex name of Irish origin, meaning Little red one; the rowan tree.
- GenderUnisex
- OriginIrish
- StyleModern
- Syllables2
- US rank#5
What does Rowan mean?
Little red one; the rowan tree
Rowan has two roots that have merged. The Irish Ruadhán is a diminutive of ruadh, "red", and was historically a male name. The English rowan is the mountain ash tree, from a Norse root, and gives the name its modern unisex, nature-name feel.
The story behind the name
Saint Ruadhán of Lorrha was one of the Twelve Apostles of Ireland, a sixth-century abbot remembered chiefly for cursing the High King's seat at Tara.
The rowan tree was planted beside houses across Britain and Scandinavia as protection against harm, and its red berries were considered particularly potent.
Rowan is now firmly unisex in the English-speaking world - given to boys in Ireland and Britain, and increasingly to girls in the United States.
Notable people named Rowan
- Saint Ruadhán of Lorrha
- Rowan Atkinson, actor and comedian
- Rowan Williams, Archbishop of Canterbury
How popular is Rowan?
Popularity in the United States
Rowan has been given to 45,134 babies in the United States since 1916, peaking in the 2010s. It has been climbing over the last two decades.
About 1 in 751 babies born in the United States were given this name in the most recent year on record.
Popularity in France
Rowan has been given to 525 babies in France since 1992, peaking in the 2000s. It has been climbing over the last two decades.
Variants and related names
Other spellings: Ruadhán, Rowen, Rohan
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Start swiping - it's freeFrequently asked questions about Rowan
What does the name Rowan mean?
Rowan means Little red one; the rowan tree. It is of Irish origin.
Is Rowan a boy's or a girl's name?
Rowan is used for both boys and girls.
How do you pronounce Rowan?
Rowan is pronounced ROH-ən.
How popular is the name Rowan?
Rowan has been given to 45,134 babies in the United States since 1916, peaking in the 2010s. It has been climbing over the last two decades.
What are other spellings of Rowan?
Common variants include Ruadhán, Rowen, Rohan.