Rowan Unisex

Popularity: #70 · Trend: ↗ Rising

Origin(s)

PronunciationROH-ən / /ˈroʊ.ən/

Irish; Scottish; English

Meaning

Irish: little redhead; Scottish: from the rowan tree

Historical & Cultural Background

The name Rowan has roots in both Irish and Scottish cultures, often associated with the rowan tree, which is considered sacred in Celtic mythology. In Irish folklore, the rowan tree is believed to offer protection and ward off evil spirits. The name has gained popularity in English-speaking countries, particularly in the late 20th century.

Trend Summary

Rowan has seen a steady increase in popularity for boys in the United States since the 1990s.

Similar Names

Variants

  • Rowen
  • Rohan

International Variants

  • Ronan (Irish)
  • Ruan (Irish)
  • Róinín (Irish)

Famous people named Rowan

Rowan Atkinson is a British actor and comedian best known for his role as Mr. Bean.

Rowan Blanchard is an American actress recognized for her role in the Disney Channel series 'Girl Meets World.'.

Rowan Williams is a Welsh Anglican bishop and theologian who served as the Archbishop of Canterbury.

Rowan Pelling is a British journalist and editor known for her work in lifestyle and culture.

Fictional characters named Rowan

Rowan is a character in the 'Witcher' series, known for his magical abilities.

Rowan is a character in the 'Rowan of Rin' book series, who embarks on a quest to save his village.

Sibling Suggestions

U.S. Historical Usage

The name Rowan was first seen in the United States in 1916. Rowan has ranked as high as #111 nationally, which occurred in 2024, and has been most popular in California, Texas, Ohio, Pennsylvania, and New York. In the past 5 years the name Rowan has been trending up compared to the previous 5 years.

Popularity Over Time (National)

Top States for Rowan (2024)

StateBirthsShare
CA 344
8%
TX 315
7%
OH 244
6%
FL 236
5%
PA 229
5%
NY 173
4%
IL 160
4%
WA 158
4%
MI 156
4%
VA 150
3%
TN 148
3%
NC 146
3%
MO 130
3%
IN 129
3%
GA 113
3%

Popularity Over Time (National) — Table

YearBirths
19165
19187
19196
19205
19219
192211
19237
19246
19258
19268
19277
192811
193113
19325
19336
193411
19357
19367
19378
19388
19397
19405
19425
19437
19449
194511
19468
19478
194810
194913
19509
19515
195212
19536
19545
19558
19568
195710
19587
19597
19605
19616
19635
196416
19656
19668
19678
19687
196910
197111
19727
19737
19747
19759
197612
197813
197912
198011
198120
198216
198310
198415
198520
198620
198714
198829
198927
199029
199139
199242
199338
199453
199564
199689
1997109
1998103
1999143
2000155
2001197
2002206
2003328
2004529
2005603
2006673
2007869
2008973
2009958
2010955
20111,047
20121,151
20131,197
20141,547
20151,816
20162,194
20172,847
20183,041
20193,223
20203,257
20213,647
20223,761
20234,210
20244,647