Rowe Unisex
Name Meaning & Origin Pronunciation: ROH //roʊ//
Origin: English; Irish
Meaning: English: 'dweller by the bank'; Irish: 'red-haired'
Historical & Cultural Background
The name Rowe has its roots in Old English, derived from the word "rowa," which means "a row" or "a line." This term is thought to have referred to a row of houses or a line of trees, suggesting a geographical or topographical origin. The name likely entered the English language through the Norman influence after the Conquest of 1066, as many Old English words were adapted or replaced by Norman French terms.
The transition into a surname occurred in the Middle Ages, where it became associated with specific locations or features in the landscape. Historically, the name Rowe can be traced back to various notable figures and families in England.
In the 13th century, it began appearing in records as a surname, often linked to landowners or individuals residing near a row of trees or houses. The name is also associated with the Rowe family of Cornwall, who were prominent in the region during the medieval period.
Additionally, the name appears in various historical documents and texts, including parish records and land grants, which provide evidence of its usage over the centuries. Culturally, the name Rowe carries connotations of stability and connection to the land, reflecting the agrarian society of medieval England.
It has been used in literature and historical texts, contributing to its resonance in English-speaking cultures. The diminutive form "Row" may also be noted, although its usage is less common.
Overall, Rowe encapsulates a blend of linguistic heritage and historical significance, representing a connection to the landscape and community in its early usage.
Famous people named Rowe
In this section, you will find notable people named Rowe. We include individuals across a wide range of fields, including actors known for their work in film, television, and stage productions. You'll also find musicians, directors, and other public figures named Rowe who have made a significant impact on popular culture.
We also feature individuals named Rowe who have made meaningful contributions to science, politics, athletics, literature, and other areas of public interest.
Please note that not every baby name in our database currently has a famous namesake listed. If you would like to suggest a name we may have missed or submit a correction, feel free to contact us. We review and finalize additions and corrections within 24 hours.
Rowe McAlister is a musician best known for his work with the band The Black Crowes.
Rowe R. McCulloch is a writer best known for his contributions to the field of mathematics and computer science.
Sibling suggestions
If you're looking for sibling name ideas that pair well with Rowe, the following options are frequently chosen as complementary choices by parents.
Similar names
Based on our extensive baby names database, several names share stylistic or phonetic similarities with Rowe. These names can serve as alternatives to the sibling suggestions listed above and may help you find the perfect complementary name for your growing family.
U.S. Historical Usage
The name Rowe was first seen in the United States in 1914.
Rowe has ranked as high as #3652 nationally, which occurred in 2025, and has been most popular in California.
In the past 5 years the name Rowe has been trending up compared to the previous 5 years.
Popularity Over Time (National)
The name Rowe is part of our comprehensive baby names database, which includes Social Security Administration (SSA) data dating back to 1880—the first official year of state and national tracking. The chart below shows when Rowe was first recorded in the United States and illustrates how its popularity has risen and fallen over time.
Popularity Over Time (National) — Table
We track the national popularity of each baby name annually. The table below displays each year along with the number of births reported by the Social Security Administration. This data combines all state-level reporting from the SSA's baby names database to provide a comprehensive view of overall birth counts for Rowe.
| Year | Total Births | Boy | Girl |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2025 | 95 | 50 | 45 |
| 2024 | 55 | 32 | 23 |
| 2023 | 64 | 37 | 27 |
| 2022 | 61 | 37 | 24 |
| 2021 | 40 | 25 | 15 |
| 2020 | 42 | 29 | 13 |
| 2019 | 26 | 19 | 7 |
| 2018 | 28 | 13 | 15 |
| 2017 | 17 | 17 | 0 |
| 2016 | 26 | 15 | 11 |
| 2015 | 20 | 15 | 5 |
| 2014 | 5 | 5 | 0 |
| 2013 | 16 | 16 | 0 |
| 2012 | 15 | 15 | 0 |
| 2009 | 7 | 7 | 0 |
| 2008 | 7 | 7 | 0 |
| 1955 | 5 | 5 | 0 |
| 1953 | 6 | 6 | 0 |
| 1951 | 5 | 5 | 0 |
| 1950 | 5 | 5 | 0 |
| 1947 | 5 | 5 | 0 |
| 1946 | 6 | 6 | 0 |
| 1945 | 7 | 7 | 0 |
| 1943 | 7 | 7 | 0 |
| 1939 | 7 | 7 | 0 |
| 1937 | 5 | 5 | 0 |
| 1936 | 8 | 8 | 0 |
| 1935 | 11 | 11 | 0 |
| 1934 | 8 | 8 | 0 |
| 1933 | 5 | 5 | 0 |
| 1932 | 6 | 6 | 0 |
| 1931 | 9 | 9 | 0 |
| 1928 | 6 | 6 | 0 |
| 1925 | 11 | 11 | 0 |
| 1923 | 7 | 7 | 0 |
| 1922 | 12 | 12 | 0 |
| 1921 | 7 | 7 | 0 |
| 1919 | 8 | 8 | 0 |
| 1918 | 7 | 7 | 0 |
| 1916 | 6 | 6 | 0 |
| 1915 | 13 | 13 | 0 |
| 1914 | 6 | 6 | 0 |
Top States for Rowe (2023)
We track the most popular states for each baby name every year and highlight the locations where the name appears most frequently. The table below shows the five states with the highest number of births for this name in the selected year. Use the toggle to expand the list to every state with reported births.
| State | Births | Share |
|---|---|---|
| CA | 5 |