Rowen Name Meaning: Origins and Significance

Rowen is a unique name with an interesting history and meaning. The name is of Irish origin and is derived from the Irish name Ruadhán, which means “red-haired.” In Ireland, the name was commonly used as a surname before being adapted as a first name. Rowen is a gender-neutral name that can be given to both boys and girls.

The name Rowen has gained popularity in recent years and is expected to continue to rise in popularity. According to BabyCenter user data, Rowen is ranked #951 in popularity for baby boy names in 2023. The name has also been used for girls, with celebrity parents such as Alyson Hannigan and Alexis Denisof naming their daughter Keeva Jane Rowan.

If you are considering naming your child Rowen, it’s important to understand the meaning and history behind the name. Whether you are drawn to the name because of its Irish roots or simply because of its unique sound, Rowen is a name that is sure to stand out.

Rowen Name Origin

Rowen is a unisex name that has Irish, Scottish, and Gaelic origins. The name is derived from the Irish/Gaelic surname, Ó Ruadháin, which means “descendant of Ruadhán.” Ruadhán means “little red one” in Irish and refers to someone with red hair or a ruddy complexion.

The name Rowen has been used as a first name in Ireland for centuries and has gained popularity in other countries as well, including the United States and Australia. In the US, the name Rowen has been steadily rising in popularity since the early 2000s, with over 500 babies named Rowen in 2020 alone.

In addition to its Irish roots, the name Rowen also has Scottish origins. In Scotland, the name is often spelled “Rowan” and is associated with the rowan tree, which is known for its bright red berries.

The name Rowen has a rich history in Ireland and is associated with Saint Ruadhán, a 6th century Irish saint who was one of Ireland’s Twelve Apostles. Saint Ruadhán is said to have founded a monastery in County Tipperary and is venerated as a patron saint of the area.

Overall, the name Rowen has a strong connection to Ireland and Scotland, but has gained popularity in other parts of the world as well. Its unique sound and rich history make it a popular choice for parents looking for a distinctive name for their child.

Meaning of Rowen

Rowen is a name that has Irish and Scottish origins. The name is derived from the Gaelic word “Rúadhán,” meaning “little redhead” or “red-haired.” It is a gender-neutral name that has been growing in popularity in recent years.

The name Rowen is also associated with the rowan tree, a small deciduous tree that fruits red berries. The tree is known for its beauty and resilience, and it has been used for centuries in traditional medicine. It is believed to have protective qualities and is often planted near homes to ward off evil spirits.

The name Rowen is strongly associated with the color red, which is fitting given its meaning. If you have a little red-haired baby, then Rowen is a fitting name to give them. The name is also sometimes spelled as Rowan or Rowe.

Overall, the name Rowen has a strong connection to nature and the color red. It is a unique and beautiful name that is perfect for parents looking for something a little different for their child.

Popularity of Rowen

Rowen is a gender-neutral name that has gained popularity in recent years. It is a name of Irish origin that means “little red one”.

According to BabyCenter user data, Rowen is ranked #951 in popularity for baby boy names in the year 2023. This is a drop of 384 from its rank in the previous year. It is also ranked #869 for baby girl names, a drop of 55 from the previous year.

Rowen is a name that has been growing in popularity in the United States. In 2020, it was ranked #346 for boys’ names and #510 for girls’ names according to the Social Security Administration. This shows that Rowen is a name that is becoming increasingly popular for both boys and girls.

It is worth noting that Rowen is a name that is more commonly used for boys than girls. It is ranked #913 for boys’ names and #1238 for girls’ names according to the Social Security Administration. This suggests that Rowen is still primarily seen as a masculine name in American culture.

Overall, Rowen is a name that is rising in popularity and becoming more gender-neutral. It is a great choice for parents who are looking for a unique and modern name for their baby.

Spelling Variations of Rowen

The name Rowen is a variant of the name Rowan, which is derived from the Gaelic word for “red-haired” or “little red one.” As such, the name has a rich history and has been used in various cultures and languages. Here are some of the common spelling variations of the name Rowen:

Ro: This is a shortened version of the name Rowen and is often used as a nickname.
Roo: This is another shortened version of the name Rowen and is often used as a nickname.
Rowan: This is the original spelling of the name and is still the most common spelling today.
Rowanne: This is a feminine variation of the name Rowan and is often used as a first name.
Rowynn: This is another feminine variation of the name Rowan and is often used as a first name.
Rowyn: This is a unisex variation of the name Rowan and is often used as a first name.
Rohan: This is a Hindi name that is similar in sound to Rowan and means “ascending” or “growing.”
Bowen: This is a Welsh name that means “son of Owen” and is similar in sound to Rowen.
Roy: This is a Scottish name that means “red-haired” and is similar in meaning to Rowen.

It is important to note that while these variations of the name Rowen may have slightly different meanings or origins, they are all ultimately derived from the same root word and are used to refer to the same general concept.

Rowen as a Surname

The surname Rowen has its origins in various parts of Europe, including France, Ireland, and England. It is derived from different sources, such as a place-name from Rouen, the capital of Normandy, or the Viscountcy of Rohan in Brittany, France.

According to Ancestry.com, the Rowen surname was first found in Ireland, where it was derived from the Irish name Ruadhán, meaning “red-haired.” The name was also found in England, where it was derived from the Old English words “ruh” and “hoh,” meaning “rough” and “heel,” respectively. In Scotland, the name was derived from the Gaelic word “ruadh,” meaning “red.”

The Rowen family crest, which can be seen on HouseOfNames.com, features three red lions on a gold shield. This crest symbolizes courage, strength, and loyalty, which are values that the Rowen family likely held dear.

Today, the Rowen surname can be found in various parts of the world, including the United States, Canada, and the United Kingdom. Some notable individuals with the surname Rowen include:

David Rowen, an American actor known for his roles in “The Sopranos” and “Law & Order”
John Rowen, an Irish footballer who played for clubs such as Shelbourne and Bohemians
Michael Rowen, an American politician who served in the New York State Assembly from 1975 to 1998

Overall, the Rowen surname has a rich history and is still in use today by people all over the world.

Similar Names to Rowen

If you like the name Rowen, you might also be interested in these similar names:

Owen: Owen is a Welsh name that means “youthful warrior.” Like Rowen, it has a similar sound and spelling, making it a great alternative for parents who like the name Rowen but want something a little more popular.
Ronan: Ronan is an Irish name that means “little seal.” It has a similar sound to Rowen and is a great choice for parents who want a name with a strong Irish heritage.
Reign: Reign is a modern name that means “rule” or “sovereign.” It has a similar sound to Rowen and is a great choice for parents who want a name that is unique and modern.
Rohan: Rohan is a Sanskrit name that means “ascending.” It has a similar sound to Rowen and is a great choice for parents who want a name with a strong spiritual meaning.
Roman: Roman is a Latin name that means “citizen of Rome.” It has a similar sound to Rowen and is a great choice for parents who want a name with a strong historical and cultural significance.
Ryder: Ryder is an English name that means “cavalryman.” It has a similar sound to Rowen and is a great choice for parents who want a name with a strong and masculine feel.
Rylan: Rylan is an English name that means “island meadow.” It has a similar sound to Rowen and is a great choice for parents who want a name that is modern and unique.
Ryland: Ryland is an English name that means “rye land.” It has a similar sound to Rowen and is a great choice for parents who want a name that is strong and masculine.

While Rowen is a unique name, there are plenty of similar names that parents can choose from. Whether you prefer names with a strong Irish heritage like Ronan or modern and unique names like Reign, there is a name out there that is perfect for your little one.

Rowen in Popular Culture

The name Rowen has been used in various forms of popular culture, from literature to film to television. Here are a few examples:

Character: In the popular book series “Percy Jackson and the Olympians,” there is a character named Rowan, who is a demigod and the son of Dionysus. Rowan is known for his love of parties and his ability to control grapevines.
Celebrities: The name Rowan has been used by several celebrities for their children. For example, actress Brooke Shields named her daughter Rowan Francis.
Brooke Shields: Brooke Shields is an American actress and model who rose to fame in the 1980s. She has been in many films and television shows, including “The Blue Lagoon,” “Suddenly Susan,” and “Lipstick Jungle.” Shields has also been an advocate for mental health awareness and has written several books on the topic.
Red-haired baby: The name Rowen is often associated with red hair, as it is derived from the Irish word for “red-haired.” In popular culture, red-haired babies are often depicted as cute and charming, and the name Rowen can be a perfect fit for such a child.

Overall, the name Rowen has a rich history and has been used in various forms of popular culture. Whether you are a fan of literature, film, or television, there is a good chance that you have come across the name Rowen at some point.

Rowen in Nature

The name Rowen has a strong connection to nature, specifically to the rowan tree. The rowan tree is a deciduous tree that is native to parts of Europe and Asia. It is also known as the mountain ash or the service tree.

The rowan tree is a small to medium-sized tree that can grow up to 15 meters tall. It has a narrow, conical shape and is known for its beautiful foliage. The leaves are pinnate, meaning they are made up of smaller leaflets that are arranged along a central stem. In the fall, the leaves turn a beautiful shade of yellow or red before falling off the tree.

One of the most distinctive features of the rowan tree is its berries. The berries are small and red, and they grow in clusters. They are a favorite food of birds, who help to spread the seeds of the tree.

In folklore, the rowan tree was believed to have magical properties. It was thought to protect against witchcraft and enchantment, and it was often planted near homes and on gravesites for this reason. The wood of the rowan tree was also used to make divining rods and other magical tools.

Overall, the rowan tree is a beautiful and fascinating tree that is deeply intertwined with the history and culture of many countries. Its connection to the name Rowen makes it a popular choice for parents who are looking for a name that is both unique and meaningful.

Rowen in Folklore

The name Rowen has roots in Irish and English cultures, and as such, it has a rich history in folklore and mythology. Here are some interesting tidbits about Rowen in folklore:

In Irish mythology, the Rowan tree was believed to have protective powers. It was often planted near homes to ward off evil spirits and protect against witchcraft. The berries were also thought to have healing properties and were used to treat various ailments.
In Scottish folklore, the Rowan tree was associated with the goddess Brigid, who was said to have been born beneath one. It was also believed that the Rowan tree could protect against fairies and other supernatural beings.
In Norse mythology, the Rowan tree was associated with the goddess Freya, who was said to have a magical necklace made of Rowan berries. It was also believed that the Rowan tree could protect against trolls and other malevolent creatures.
In England, the Rowan tree was often called the “Witch Tree” and was believed to have the power to dispel evil spirits. It was also believed that carrying a piece of Rowan wood could protect against the evil eye.

Overall, the Rowan tree and the name Rowen have a rich history in folklore and mythology. From protective powers to healing properties, the Rowan tree has been revered in many cultures throughout history.

Unusual Aspects of Rowen

Rowen is an unusual name in that it is considered unisex, meaning it can be used for both boys and girls. This is a relatively new trend in baby naming, as traditionally names were heavily weighted towards one gender or the other. The name Rowen is also unique in that it has a French origin, but is more commonly used in English-speaking countries.

One interesting aspect of the name Rowen is its connection to nature. The rowan tree, also known as the mountain ash, is a symbol of protection and healing in Celtic mythology. The tree is said to have magical properties, and was often planted near homes to ward off evil spirits. It is possible that the name Rowen was inspired by this connection to nature and protection.

Another unusual aspect of the name Rowen is its association with home and family. The name is derived from the Gaelic word for “little red one,” which may have been a term of endearment used within families. This connection to home and family makes Rowen a popular choice for parents who want to honor their heritage and pass down family traditions.

Finally, the name Rowen has a social aspect to it as well. It is a name that is often associated with creativity and individuality, and is popular among parents who want to give their child a unique and memorable name. This social aspect of the name Rowen is reflected in its popularity among celebrities and other public figures, who often choose unusual names for their children.

Overall, the name Rowen is a unique and interesting choice for parents who want to give their child a name that is both meaningful and memorable. Whether inspired by nature, family, or individuality, the name Rowen is sure to stand out in a crowd.