Rowan Name Meaning

Rowan is believed to have come from the Gaelic word “ruadh,” which means “red.” But beyond that, the name is also associated with a few other meanings. For example, it is said to represent strength, courage, and determination. This is likely a reflection of the Rowan tree’s reputation as a symbol of protection and good luck.

Origins of the Name Rowan

The name Rowan is believed to have originated in Scotland and Ireland, where it was traditionally given to boys. The name is derived from the Gaelic word “ruadh,” which means “red.” This is likely a reference to the Rowan tree, also known as the Mountain Ash, which is known for its bright red berries. In fact, the Rowan tree is considered to be a symbol of protection and good luck in many cultures.

Popularity of the Name Rowan

While the name Rowan was traditionally given to boys, it has become increasingly popular as a name for girls in recent years. This trend seems to have started in the United States, where the name first entered the top 1,000 names for girls in the late 1990s. Since then, it has climbed steadily in popularity, with the name breaking into the top 100 names for girls in the early 2010s.

So why is the name Rowan so popular among parents today? There are a few reasons. For one, the name is unique and distinctive, which is something that many parents are looking for in a name. Additionally, the name has a strong association with nature and the outdoors, which is something that is becoming increasingly popular among parents. And, as mentioned, the name has a lot of positive meanings such as strength, courage and determination.

Final Thoughts on the Name Rowan

All in all, Rowan is a name that has a lot of history and meaning behind it. With origins in Scotland and Ireland, the name is derived from the Gaelic word “ruadh,” which means “red.” The name is also associated with strength, courage, and determination, which is likely a reflection of the Rowan tree’s reputation as a symbol of protection and good luck. And, as the name is gaining popularity over the recent years and breaking into the top 100 names for girls, it is a name that can be considered a unique and distinctive option for parents.

Infographic of Rowan name meaning, which is A Gaelic name, Rowan means of the rowan tree.
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Rowan Name Popularity

How popular is the name Rowan? Here’s everything we know.

Year Rank # Births % Births
1910 — 0 0%
1911 — 0 0%
1912 — 0 0%
1913 — 0 0%
1914 — 0 0%
1915 — 0 0%
1916 — 0 0%
1917 — 0 0%
1918 — 0 0%
1919 — 0 0%
1920 — 0 0%
1921 — 0 0%
1922 — 0 0%
1923 — 0 0%
1924 — 0 0%
1925 — 0 0%
1926 — 0 0%
1927 — 0 0%
1928 — 0 0%
1929 — 0 0%
1930 — 0 0%
1931 — 0 0%
1932 — 0 0%
1933 — 0 0%
1934 — 0 0%
1935 — 0 0%
1936 — 0 0%
1937 — 0 0%
1938 — 0 0%
1939 — 0 0%
1940 — 0 0%
1941 — 0 0%
1942 — 0 0%
1943 — 0 0%
1944 — 0 0%
1945 — 0 0%
1946 — 0 0%
1947 — 0 0%
1948 — 0 0%
1949 — 0 0%
1950 — 0 0%
1951 — 0 0%
1952 — 0 0%
1953 — 0 0%
1954 — 0 0%
1955 — 0 0%
1956 — 0 0%
1957 — 0 0%
1958 — 0 0%
1959 — 0 0%
1960 — 0 0%
1961 — 0 0%
1962 — 0 0%
1963 — 0 0%
1964 — 0 0%
1965 — 0 0%
1966 — 0 0%
1967 — 0 0%
1968 — 0 0%
1969 — 0 0%
1970 — 0 0%
1971 — 0 0%
1972 — 0 0%
1973 — 0 0%
1974 — 0 0%
1975 — 0 0%
1976 — 0 0%
1977 — 0 0%
1978 — 0 0%
1979 — 0 0%
1980 — 0 0%
1981 — 0 0%
1982 — 0 0%
1983 — 0 0%
1984 — 0 0%
1985 — 0 0%
1986 — 0 0%
1987 — 0 0%
1988 — 0 0%
1989 3,795 5 0.0003%
1990 — 0 0%
1991 3,100 8 0.0005%
1992 3,823 5 0.0003%
1993 2,247 20 0.0013%
1994 1,705 42 0.0027%
1995 1,740 38 0.0025%
1996 1,168 102 0.0068%
1997 1,239 93 0.0063%
1998 1,311 82 0.0055%
1999 1,459 67 0.0045%
2000 1,257 100 0.0065%
2001 1,230 108 0.0072%
2002 1,011 164 0.0109%
2003 977 185 0.0122%
2004 724 320 0.021%
2005 753 307 0.0201%
2006 647 402 0.0257%
2007 455 670 0.0425%
2008 457 647 0.0419%
2009 491 576 0.0385%
2010 481 576 0.04%
2011 537 492 0.0345%
2012 444 660 0.0463%
2013 416 689 0.0484%
2014 403 745 0.0511%
2015 320 972 0.0668%
2016 233 1,335 0.0926%
2017 206 1,428 0.1023%
2018 204 1,438 0.1047%
2019 223 1,320 0.0975%
2020 256 1,122 0.0881%
2021 238 1,171 0.0958%
2022 275 1,122 0.085%

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West Virginia (WV)

Data via SSA.gov.

Names Like Rowan

If you like Rowan, you’ll love these other names like Rowan.

What names are variants of Rowan?

Mix it up with these names that are a variation of the name Rowan.

Name Meaning Origin Popularity Other Gender
Roanna
Roanne

Red-berry tree

Gaelic

Rowen

Red-berry tree

Gaelic

What names sound like Rowan?

If you like how Rowan sounds, you might also like these names that sound like Rowan.

Name Meaning Origin Popularity Other Gender
Rhyan

Great queen, or goddess

Welsh

Rian

King

Irish

Roana
Rona

Rough island

Scandinavian

Ronae

Strong counsel

English

Ronay

Strong counsel

English

Rowena

Fame, happiness

German

Rowina

Fame and happiness

German

Ryan

Little king

Irish

Lists With Rowan

Find inspiration in these baby girl name lists featuring the name Rowan.

Siblings of Rowan

Mamas with kids named Rowan also have kids with these names.

Name Meaning Origin Popularity Other Gender
Clara

Bright and clear

Latin

Agnes

Pure, holy

Greek

Jewel

Plaything, delight

French

Willow

Willow tree

English

Adrien

From Hadria

Latin

Damien

To tame

French

Persephone

Bringer of destruction

Greek

Sebastien

Revered

Greek

Phoenix

Dark red

Greek

Leverett

Young Hare

French

Iris

Rainbow

Greek

Freya

Lady

Scandinavian

Wyatt

Brave in battle

English

Briar

Shrub, Small Tree

English

Rose

Rose flower

English

Sage

Healing herb

Latin

15 Comments

  1. It’s done me very well as a girl’s name for over 40 years. People can usually spell it and pronounce it which is worth considering.

    Reply

  2. I had a dream about it.

    Reply

  3. My Rowan has a sibling called Storm.

    Reply

  4. She was conceived while rowing down the Grand Canyon.

    Reply

  6. My husband and I wanted a nature-based name for our little girl. We had a few options on the table but came across Rowan in a baby naming app. It’s a tree that, in Celtic folk tradition, helps guard against evil spirits or spells. We enjoy the mysticism behind the name as well. We also like that we have a sweet nickname for her too: Ro!

    Reply

    • I named my first daughter Rowan..for the tree that gives blessongs and strength.
      It bothers me a bit that anyone consodersnit s boy name. It is so *feminine*.
      Regardless….I paired it with a Celtic goddess and we’ve had Rowan Arianrhod since 2014.
      (I notice the spike directly after…)
      Stop naming your boys Rowan. It is a *girls* name in my world.
      Do RoHan instead!

      Reply

      • Historically, Rowan started out as a boy’s name and it doesn’t stop being so just because girl parents have decided to usurp it. #rowansmom

        Reply

        • “Usurp” is a strong word. The name belongs to both genders.

          Reply

        • The name has “historically” been used for both genders. It did not start off as a boys name, it’s just been more popularly for boys until recently. It is and always has been a gender neutral name.

          Reply

      • Mind your own business. This name is unisex! Like Morgan, Taylor, Brook and Avery. Huh! It’s like saying Elizabeth sound masculine too. I bet you’re even a grown up woman.

        Reply

      • Shut up woman! This name is unisex. Femmenin? Eww 🙁 You have a ridiculous mind. My son’s name is Taylor so what?

        Reply

  7. We wanted a name that had a Celtic origin and worked for any gender.

    Reply

  8. It’s just a beautiful name all around.

    Reply

  9. We have Irish roots and in Celtic mythology the Rowan tree is known as the ‘tree of Life’. It’s a sacred tree that protects the dwelling of which it grows and symbolizes wisdom.
    We found that to be beautiful. It’s a less common name but not unheard of or too unusual. We find it to be simple, sweet and beautiful!

    Reply

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