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Rowena Girl

Popularity: #904 · Trend: ↗ Rising

Origin(s)

Pronunciationroh-WEE-nah / ˈroʊ.wɪ.nə

Old English; Latin

Meaning

Old English: fame and happiness; Latin: a form of the name Roderick

Historical & Cultural Background

The name Rowena is believed to have originated from the Old English elements "hroth," meaning "fame," and "wynn," meaning "joy" or "bliss." This etymological combination suggests a literal meaning of "famous joy" or "joyful fame." The name appears in various forms throughout history, with its roots traceable back to the early medieval period in England. It is often associated with the Anglo-Saxon culture, where names were typically constructed from meaningful components reflecting desirable traits or attributes.

One of the earliest notable mentions of Rowena can be found in the 12th-century historical work "Historia Regum Britanniae" by Geoffrey of Monmouth, where she is depicted as a character associated with the legendary King Vortigern. This association with British legend helped to solidify the name's place in the cultural narrative of early medieval Britain. Additionally, Rowena gained further prominence through Sir Walter Scott's 19th-century novel "Ivanhoe," where she is portrayed as a noble and virtuous character, thereby reinforcing the name's association with nobility and virtue.

Culturally, Rowena has been embraced in various literary and artistic contexts, often symbolizing beauty, grace, and strength. The name has also been linked to themes of loyalty and honor, particularly in the context of romantic narratives. Its enduring presence in literature and folklore has contributed to its resonance in the English-speaking world. While diminutive forms such as Ro or Wena may exist, they are less commonly referenced in historical texts. Overall, Rowena's etymological roots, historical significance, and cultural associations have contributed to its lasting legacy.

Trend Summary

Rowena has seen fluctuating popularity in the United States, with a notable resurgence in recent years.

Similar Names

Variants

  • Rohena
  • Rowen

International Variants

  • Rovina (Slavic)
  • Rówen (Irish)

Famous people named Rowena

Rowena Chiu is a writer and producer best known for The Last Emperor, The Joy Luck Club, and The Mummy.

Rowena Morrill is an artist and illustrator best known for her science fiction and fantasy book covers.

Fictional characters named Rowena

Rowena is a fictional character from the TV series Supernatural. She is a powerful witch and a recurring antagonist who often manipulates events for her own gain.

Rowena is a fictional character from the video game series Fire Emblem. She is a skilled mage and a member of the royal family, playing a crucial role in the story's conflict.

Sibling Suggestions

U.S. Historical Usage

The name Rowena was first seen in the United States in 1880. Rowena has ranked as high as #633 nationally, which occurred in 1917, and has been most popular in California, Ohio, New York, Illinois, and Missouri. In the past 5 years the name Rowena has been trending up compared to the previous 5 years.

Popularity Over Time (National)

Top States for Rowena (2024)

StateBirthsShare
CA 5
100%

Popularity Over Time (National) — Table

YearBirths
18808
18816
188213
188313
188419
188520
188618
188727
188819
188917
189028
189132
189232
189341
189433
189541
189643
189734
189832
189938
190042
190137
190237
190327
190443
190527
190646
190741
190854
190952
191055
191160
191296
1913119
1914136
1915182
1916165
1917224
1918175
1919200
1920194
1921209
1922181
1923188
1924165
1925170
1926162
1927171
1928157
1929177
1930159
1931159
1932179
1933139
1934168
1935122
1936122
1937136
1938157
1939140
1940121
1941120
1942109
1943124
194499
194589
1946107
1947113
194885
194989
195098
1951114
1952114
1953153
1954161
1955135
1956122
1957136
1958107
1959128
1960111
1961126
1962143
1963122
196499
196591
196675
196780
196864
196949
197055
197176
197258
197358
197445
197561
197654
197756
197847
197956
198059
198144
198252
198347
198441
198538
198635
198724
198827
198924
199021
199122
199218
199316
199410
199511
199619
199716
199817
199913
200015
200111
200212
20036
200414
200518
200615
200710
200812
200914
20107
201115
201211
201311
201414
201512
201619
201722
201829
201928
202050
202133
202239
202337
202446