Owen Name Meaning

Helen Doanna

By Helen Doanna

Lastest Updated June 7, 2024
Home » Baby Names » Owen Name Meaning

Fact: Owen Lars is a character in the “Star Wars” universe, known as the uncle and guardian of Luke Skywalker.

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A Deep Dive

Owen Overview

Meaning

Young warrior, noble, well-born

Gender

Boy

Origin

Welsh

Etymology

Derived from the Welsh name “Owain,” meaning “young warrior” or “well-born.”

Religion

Christianity

Pronunciation

/ˈoʊ.ɪn/

Popularity

Owen is popular in English-speaking countries, particularly in the USA and the UK. Ranked 8th most popular name in USA in 2023.

Syllable

2 syllables

Length

4 letters

Numerology

3 (Expressive, Social, Artistic)

Name Styles

Classic, Modern, Short, Cool, Cute

Associated Traits

Brave, noble, and intelligent

Spiritual, Religious, or Cultural Significance

St. Owen, also known as St. Ouen, was a 7th-century archbishop and saint in France.

Name Day

August 24 (St. Ouen)
A Deep Dive

Owen Variations in Different Cultures

Popular Variations

Owain, Eoghan, Euan, Ewan, Ewen, Iwan, Ouen, Owynn

Common Nicknames

Owie, Owy, Wen, Wenny, Ohie, O-Man

Diminutives

Ow, Owie, Wen, Ohie

Famous People

  • Owen Wilson
    (American Actor)
  • Owen Hart
    (Canadian Wrestler)
  • Owen Chamberlain
    (American Physicist)
  • Owen Hargreaves
    (Canadian-born English Footballer)
  • Owen Garriott
    (American Astronaut)

Pop Culture Icons and Works

  • Owen Grady
    ("Jurassic World," Film Series)
  • Owen Hunt
    ("Grey's Anatomy," TV Series)
  • Owen Harper
    ("Torchwood," TV Series)
  • Owen Lars
    ("Star Wars," Film Series)
  • Owen Meany
    ("A Prayer for Owen Meany," Novel)

Places

  • Owen City
    (Wisconsin, USA)
  • Owen County
    (Indiana, USA)
  • Owen Sound City
    (Ontario, Canada)
  • Mount Owen
    (Wyoming, USA)

What Is the Meaning of Owen?

The meaning of Owen is “young warrior,” “noble,” or “well-born.” This name reflects qualities of bravery, nobility, and high birth.

What Is the Origin of The Name Owen?

Owen is of Welsh origin. It is derived from the Welsh name Owain, which comes from the Latin name Eugenius, meaning “well-born” or “of noble birth.” The name has been popular in Wales since the medieval period and has various spelling variations.

Owen Name Popularity

Popularity Chart of the Name Owen in the U.S. over the Years

United States flagUnited States#222021#182022#192023
Top 3 Rankings#182022#192023#212019

Annual Statistics Breakdown for Owen

YearName RankingNumber of BirthsBirth Rate (%)
202319
(-1 from 2022)
7985
(-590 from 2022)
0.43606
202218
(+4 from 2021)
8575
(-188 from 2021)
0.45783
202122
No change from 2020
8763
(+98 from 2020)
0.46771
202022
(-1 from 2019)
8665
(-680 from 2019)
0.46846
201921
(+4 from 2018)
9345
(+11 from 2018)
0.48627
201825
(+3 from 2017)
9334
(-29 from 2017)
0.48021
201728
(-5 from 2016)
9363
(-939 from 2016)
0.47309
201623
(+13 from 2015)
10302
(+696 from 2015)
0.50858
201536
No change from 2014
9606
(+448 from 2014)
0.46986
201436
(+2 from 2013)
9158
(+393 from 2013)
0.44690
201338
No change from 2012
8765
(+70 from 2012)
0.43376
201238
(+6 from 2011)
8695
(+355 from 2011)
0.42850
201144
(+3 from 2010)
8340
(+163 from 2010)
0.41055
201047
(+4 from 2009)
8177
(+35 from 2009)
0.39802
200951
(+7 from 2008)
8142
(+342 from 2008)
0.38389
200858
(-2 from 2007)
7800
(-447 from 2007)
0.35773
200756
(+2 from 2006)
8247
(+75 from 2006)
0.37231
200658
(+2 from 2005)
8172
(+1004 from 2005)
0.37275
200560
(+7 from 2004)
7168
(+462 from 2004)
0.33695
200467
(+5 from 2003)
6706
(+1005 from 2003)
0.31732
200372
(+22 from 2002)
5701
(+1511 from 2002)
0.27133
200294
(+36 from 2001)
4190
(+1158 from 2001)
0.20274
2001130
(+14 from 2000)
3032
(+317 from 2000)
0.14659
2000144
(+9 from 1999)
2715
(+338 from 1999)
0.13001
1999153
(+26 from 1998)
2377
(+505 from 1998)
0.11658
1998179
(+45 from 1997)
1872
(+506 from 1997)
0.09232
1997224
(+53 from 1996)
1366
(+361 from 1996)
0.06838
1996277
(+73 from 1995)
1005
(+304 from 1995)
0.05016
1995350
(+103 from 1994)
701
(+211 from 1994)
0.03485
1994453
(+6 from 1993)
490
(+32 from 1993)
0.02404
1993459
(+14 from 1992)
458
(+5 from 1992)
0.02217
1992473
(-11 from 1991)
453
(-2 from 1991)
0.02158
1991462
(-9 from 1990)
455
(-25 from 1990)
0.02147
1990453
(-6 from 1989)
480
(+41 from 1989)
0.02230
1989447
(-30 from 1988)
439
(-28 from 1988)
0.02094
1988417
(-13 from 1987)
467
(+5 from 1987)
0.02332
1987404
(+24 from 1986)
462
(+54 from 1986)
0.02369
1986428
(-6 from 1985)
408
(-4 from 1985)
0.02123
1985422
(-9 from 1984)
412
(+13 from 1984)
0.02141
1984413
(+24 from 1983)
399
(+42 from 1983)
0.02126
1983437
(-6 from 1982)
357
(-19 from 1982)
0.01916
1982431
(-2 from 1981)
376
(-5 from 1981)
0.01992
1981429
(+11 from 1980)
381
(+28 from 1980)
0.02046
1980440
(-28 from 1979)
353
(-18 from 1979)
0.01903
1979412
(+77 from 1978)
371
(+99 from 1978)
0.02071
1978489
(-48 from 1977)
272
(-52 from 1977)
0.01592
1977441
(+33 from 1976)
324
(+47 from 1976)
0.01895
1976474
(-8 from 1975)
277
(-21 from 1975)
0.01697
1975466
(-39 from 1974)
298
(-39 from 1974)
0.01837
1974427
No change from 1973
337
No change from 1973
0.02067
1973427
(+19 from 1972)
337
(+21 from 1972)
0.02088
1972446
(+72 from 1971)
316
(+68 from 1971)
0.01888
1971518
(+5 from 1970)
248
(+10 from 1970)
0.01364
1970523
(-63 from 1969)
238
(-36 from 1969)
0.01249
1969460
(+54 from 1968)
274
(+59 from 1968)
0.01498
1968514
(-17 from 1967)
215
(-13 from 1967)
0.01211
1967497
(-25 from 1966)
228
(-36 from 1966)
0.01281
1966472
(-2 from 1965)
264
(-9 from 1965)
0.01452
1965470
(-6 from 1964)
273
(-21 from 1964)
0.01441
1964464
(+11 from 1963)
294
(+15 from 1963)
0.01450
1963475
(-47 from 1962)
279
(-70 from 1962)
0.01351
1962428
(-6 from 1961)
349
(-5 from 1961)
0.01661
1961422
(-19 from 1960)
354
(-32 from 1960)
0.01641
1960403
(+2 from 1959)
386
(+1 from 1959)
0.01783
1959405
(+1 from 1958)
385
(+15 from 1958)
0.01777
1958406
(-24 from 1957)
370
(-36 from 1957)
0.01717
1957382
(-11 from 1956)
406
(+6 from 1956)
0.01855
1956371
(+16 from 1955)
400
(+53 from 1955)
0.01864
1955387
(-26 from 1954)
347
(-55 from 1954)
0.01660
1954361
(-20 from 1953)
402
(-12 from 1953)
0.01943
1953341
(-15 from 1952)
414
(-41 from 1952)
0.02068
1952326
(+27 from 1951)
455
(+78 from 1951)
0.02306
1951353
(-12 from 1950)
377
(-12 from 1950)
0.01972
1950341
(+10 from 1949)
389
(+20 from 1949)
0.02139
1949351
(-10 from 1948)
369
(-17 from 1948)
0.02048
1948341
(-2 from 1947)
386
(-20 from 1947)
0.02165
1947339
(-15 from 1946)
406
(+14 from 1946)
0.02186
1946324
(-16 from 1945)
392
(+23 from 1945)
0.02375
1945308
(-5 from 1944)
369
(-23 from 1944)
0.02691
1944303
(-3 from 1943)
392
(-26 from 1943)
0.02822
1943300
(-2 from 1942)
418
(+3 from 1942)
0.02874
1942298
(-13 from 1941)
415
(+3 from 1941)
0.02947
1941285
(+9 from 1940)
412
(+49 from 1940)
0.03283
1940294
(-11 from 1939)
363
(-20 from 1939)
0.03060
1939283
(-9 from 1938)
383
(-23 from 1938)
0.03379
1938274
(-7 from 1937)
406
(-6 from 1937)
0.03572
1937267
(+9 from 1936)
412
(+27 from 1936)
0.03767
1936276
(-8 from 1935)
385
(-26 from 1935)
0.03617
1935268
(-9 from 1934)
411
(-24 from 1934)
0.03843
1934259
(-10 from 1933)
435
(-5 from 1933)
0.04096
1933249
(+7 from 1932)
440
(-4 from 1932)
0.04313
1932256
(-5 from 1931)
444
(-12 from 1931)
0.04132
1931251
(-6 from 1930)
456
(-57 from 1930)
0.04263
1930245
(-9 from 1929)
513
(-13 from 1929)
0.04542
1929236
(+14 from 1928)
526
(+21 from 1928)
0.04749
1928250
(-12 from 1927)
505
(-47 from 1927)
0.04425
1927238
No change from 1926
552
(-2 from 1926)
0.04751
1926238
(-11 from 1925)
554
(-28 from 1925)
0.04837
1925227
(-14 from 1924)
582
(-52 from 1924)
0.05055
1924213
(+10 from 1923)
634
(+47 from 1923)
0.05423
1923223
(-18 from 1922)
587
(-45 from 1922)
0.05184
1922205
(-10 from 1921)
632
(-71 from 1921)
0.05617
1921195
(+22 from 1920)
703
(+105 from 1920)
0.06178
1920217
(+4 from 1919)
598
(+42 from 1919)
0.05433
1919221
(-10 from 1918)
556
(-35 from 1918)
0.05476
1918211
(+12 from 1917)
591
(+102 from 1917)
0.05636
1917223
(-4 from 1916)
489
(+1 from 1916)
0.05097
1916219
(-3 from 1915)
488
(+9 from 1915)
0.05286
1915216
(+9 from 1914)
479
(+123 from 1914)
0.05437
1914225
(-9 from 1913)
356
(+63 from 1913)
0.05210
1913216
(-7 from 1912)
293
(+28 from 1912)
0.05464
1912209
(-15 from 1911)
265
(+109 from 1911)
0.05870
1911194
(+20 from 1910)
156
(+38 from 1910)
0.06462
1910214
(+17 from 1909)
118
(+28 from 1909)
0.05659
1909231
(-35 from 1908)
90
(-15 from 1908)
0.05089
1908196
(-1 from 1907)
105
(+1 from 1907)
0.06311
1907195
(+22 from 1906)
104
(+22 from 1906)
0.06558
1906217
(-21 from 1905)
82
(-7 from 1905)
0.05692
1905196
(+23 from 1904)
89
(+18 from 1904)
0.06214
1904219
(-28 from 1903)
71
(-12 from 1903)
0.05126
1903191
(+35 from 1902)
83
(+20 from 1902)
0.06418
1902226
(-47 from 1901)
63
(-17 from 1901)
0.04746
1901179
(+24 from 1900)
80
(-13 from 1900)
0.06921
1900203
(-3 from 1899)
93
(+27 from 1899)
0.05736
1899200
(+19 from 1898)
66
(+2 from 1898)
0.05729
1898219
(-18 from 1897)
64
(-6 from 1897)
0.04845
1897201
(-5 from 1896)
70
(-13 from 1896)
0.05740
1896196
(-2 from 1895)
83
(+8 from 1895)
0.06431
1895194
(-10 from 1894)
75
(-5 from 1894)
0.05922
1894184
(-4 from 1893)
80
No change from 1893
0.06406
1893180
(-23 from 1892)
80
(-22 from 1892)
0.06609
1892157
(+22 from 1891)
102
(+29 from 1891)
0.07759
1891179
(+15 from 1890)
73
(+5 from 1890)
0.06681
1890194
(-14 from 1889)
68
(-7 from 1889)
0.05681
1889180
(-25 from 1888)
75
(-23 from 1888)
0.06301
1888155
(+28 from 1887)
98
(+30 from 1887)
0.07544
1887183
(-15 from 1886)
68
(-15 from 1886)
0.06221
1886168
(+19 from 1885)
83
(+13 from 1885)
0.06972
1885187
(-37 from 1884)
70
(-21 from 1884)
0.06037
1884150
(+35 from 1883)
91
(+28 from 1883)
0.07414
1883185
(+12 from 1882)
63
(-2 from 1882)
0.05601
1882197
(-23 from 1881)
65
(-2 from 1881)
0.05327
1881174
(-6 from 1880)
67
(-11 from 1880)
0.06188
1880168
First SSA data recorded
78
First SSA data recorded
0.06588

American States Popularity Rankings for Owen

(From the Most to Least Popular, Based on Number of Births )

California (CA)

California (CA) flagCalifornia (CA)#522021#582022#592023

New York (NY)

New York (NY) flagNew York (NY)#302021#292022#332023

Ohio (OH)

Ohio (OH) flagOhio (OH)#82021#72022#92023

Pennsylvania (PA)

Pennsylvania (PA) flagPennsylvania (PA)#52021#72022#72023

Texas (TX)

Texas (TX) flagTexas (TX)#742021#782022#762023

Illinois (IL)

Illinois (IL) flagIllinois (IL)#132021#162022#162023

Michigan (MI)

Michigan (MI) flagMichigan (MI)#102021#142022#112023

Massachusetts (MA)

Massachusetts (MA) flagMassachusetts (MA)#112021#112022#92023

Florida (FL)

Florida (FL) flagFlorida (FL)#632021#542022#582023

Minnesota (MN)

Minnesota (MN) flagMinnesota (MN)#52021#72022#102023

Wisconsin (WI)

Wisconsin (WI) flagWisconsin (WI)#82021#62022#112023

Indiana (IN)

Indiana (IN) flagIndiana (IN)#112021#132022#142023

North Carolina (NC)

North Carolina (NC) flagNorth Carolina (NC)#232021#202022#242023

Virginia (VA)

Virginia (VA) flagVirginia (VA)#152021#122022#142023

Washington (WA)

Washington (WA) flagWashington (WA)#122021#112022#142023

Missouri (MO)

Missouri (MO) flagMissouri (MO)#122021#122022#102023

New Jersey (NJ)

New Jersey (NJ) flagNew Jersey (NJ)#322021#322022#262023

Georgia (GA)

Georgia (GA) flagGeorgia (GA)#432021#452022#572023

Tennessee (TN)

Tennessee (TN) flagTennessee (TN)#282021#262022#272023

Colorado (CO)

Colorado (CO) flagColorado (CO)#122021#172022#122023

Kentucky (KY)

Kentucky (KY) flagKentucky (KY)#222021#202022#162023

Maryland (MD)

Maryland (MD) flagMaryland (MD)#312021#212022#192023

Utah (UT)

Utah (UT) flagUtah (UT)#92021#102022#112023

Iowa (IA)

Iowa (IA) flagIowa (IA)#82021#102022#102023

Oregon (OR)

Oregon (OR) flagOregon (OR)#132021#112022#132023

Arizona (AZ)

Arizona (AZ) flagArizona (AZ)#612021#492022#302023

Connecticut (CT)

Connecticut (CT) flagConnecticut (CT)#202021#162022#262023

Kansas (KS)

Kansas (KS) flagKansas (KS)#222021#172022#102023

Louisiana (LA)

Louisiana (LA) flagLouisiana (LA)#182021#192022#292023

Alabama (AL)

Alabama (AL) flagAlabama (AL)#382021#512022#332023

Oklahoma (OK)

Oklahoma (OK) flagOklahoma (OK)#462021#312022#262023

South Carolina (SC)

South Carolina (SC) flagSouth Carolina (SC)#382021#432022#282023

Nebraska (NE)

Nebraska (NE) flagNebraska (NE)#62021#62022#102023

Maine (ME)

Maine (ME) flagMaine (ME)#22021#42022#52023

West Virginia (WV)

West Virginia (WV) flagWest Virginia (WV)#122021#82022#142023

Arkansas (AR)

Arkansas (AR) flagArkansas (AR)#452021#372022#402023

New Hampshire (NH)

New Hampshire (NH) flagNew Hampshire (NH)#62021#42022#72023

Idaho (ID)

Idaho (ID) flagIdaho (ID)#132021#162022#152023

Mississippi (MS)

Mississippi (MS) flagMississippi (MS)#882021#272022#972023

South Dakota (SD)

South Dakota (SD) flagSouth Dakota (SD)#172021#122022#52023

Nevada (NV)

Nevada (NV) flagNevada (NV)#552021#442022#762023

Rhode Island (RI)

Rhode Island (RI) flagRhode Island (RI)#112021#32022#202023

North Dakota (ND)

North Dakota (ND) flagNorth Dakota (ND)#122021#172022#142023

Vermont (VT)

Vermont (VT) flagVermont (VT)#52021#152022#92023

Montana (MT)

Montana (MT) flagMontana (MT)#212021#92022#52023

New Mexico (NM)

New Mexico (NM) flagNew Mexico (NM)#822021#442022#812023

Delaware (DE)

Delaware (DE) flagDelaware (DE)#262021#102022#352023

District of Columbia (DC)

District of Columbia (DC) flagDistrict of Columbia (DC)#642021#292022#162023

Alaska (AK)

Alaska (AK) flagAlaska (AK)#102021#312022#172023

Hawaii (HI)

Hawaii (HI) flagHawaii (HI)#872021#662022#392023

Wyoming (WY)

Wyoming (WY) flagWyoming (WY)#52021#22022#252023

Popularity Rankings for Owen in other Countries and American Territories

(From the Most to Least Popular, Based on Rankings)

Popularity in Canada

Canada flagCanada#82021#112022#92023

Popularity in Belgium

Belgium flagBelgium#612020#922021#622022

Popularity in Puerto Rico

Puerto Rico flagPuerto Rico#1172021#862022#632023

Popularity in Other American Territories

American Samoa flag American Samoa
Guam flag Guam
Northern Mariana Islands flag Northern Mariana Islands
U.S. Virgin Islands flag U.S. Virgin Islands

Other American Territories flagOther American Territories#632016

Popularity in France

France flagFrance#672020#692021#632022

Popularity in Scotland

Scotland flagScotland#782021#902022#702023

Popularity in Australia (NSW)

Australia (NSW) flagAustralia (NSW)#752019#742020#952021

Popularity in Quebec, Canada

Quebec, Canada flagQuebec, Canada#852020#1042021#1022022

Popularity in New Zealand

New Zealand flagNew Zealand#1022021#1132022#1232023

Popularity in England and Wales

England and Wales flagEngland and Wales#1242019#1322020#1492021

Popularity in Northern Ireland

Northern Ireland flagNorthern Ireland#1502021#1772022#1692023

Popularity in Ireland

Ireland flagIreland#1932021#2312022#2152023

Popularity in Switzerland

Switzerland flagSwitzerland#3332020#2452021#3182022

Popularity in Poland

Poland flagPoland#4022015#6632016#4552017

Popularity in Germany

Germany flagGermany#4912009

Popularity in Sweden

Sweden flagSweden#8752022#7072023

Source: Social Security Administration (SSA) and Other National Sources

Is Owen a Name for Boys or Girls?

Owen is primarily used for boys. Historically, the name Owen has strong associations with male figures in Welsh and medieval history, such as Owain mab Urien, a legendary warrior in Arthurian legend, and Owen Tudor, a prominent Welsh nobleman. These historical figures have contributed to the name’s masculine connotations. Additionally, the name’s meaning, “young warrior” and “noble,” further emphasizes traditionally male attributes.

Variants, Nicknames, Diminutives, and Ideal Middle Names for Owen

Owen in Famous People Names, Pop Culture, and Places

  • Owen Wilson (Actor, born 1968): An American actor known for his roles in films like "Wedding Crashers," "Zoolander," and "Midnight in Paris."
  • Owen Hart (Wrestler, 1965–1999): A Canadian professional wrestler who was a member of the Hart wrestling family and known for his time in WWE.
  • Owen Chamberlain (Physicist, 1920–2006): An American physicist who won the Nobel Prize in Physics for his discovery of the antiproton.
  • Owen Hargreaves (Footballer, born 1981): A Canadian-born English footballer known for playing with Bayern Munich, Manchester United, and the England national team.
  • Owen Garriott (Astronaut, 1930–2019): An American astronaut who flew on Skylab and the Space Shuttle.
  • Owen Paterson (Politician, born 1956): A British Conservative politician who served as Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs.
  • Owen Daniels (Football Player, born 1982): An American former NFL tight end who played primarily with the Houston Texans.
  • Owen Pallett (Musician, born 1979): A Canadian composer, violinist, and singer known for his solo work and contributions to Arcade Fire.
  • Owen Nolan (Hockey Player, born 1972): A Canadian-born former professional ice hockey player who played in the NHL for teams like the San Jose Sharks and Toronto Maple Leafs.
  • Owen Gleiberman (Film Critic, born 1959): An American film critic who has written for Entertainment Weekly and Variety.
  • Owen Grady ("Jurassic World," 2015 Film Series): A skilled dinosaur trainer and researcher who works with Velociraptors at the Jurassic World theme park.
  • Owen Hunt ("Grey's Anatomy," 2005 TV Series): A trauma surgeon and U.S. Army veteran who becomes the head of trauma surgery at Grey Sloan Memorial Hospital.
  • Owen Harper ("Torchwood," 2006 TV Series): A medical officer and member of the Torchwood Institute who investigates extraterrestrial incidents.
  • Owen Lars ("Star Wars," 1977 Film Series): The uncle and guardian of Luke Skywalker who raises him on the desert planet Tatooine.
  • Owen Meany ("A Prayer for Owen Meany," 1989 Novel): A boy with a unique voice and strong faith who believes he is an instrument of God.
  • Owen Shaw ("Fast & Furious 6," 2013 Film Series): A former British Special Forces soldier who becomes a mercenary and antagonist in the "Fast & Furious" series.
  • Owen Sleater ("Boardwalk Empire," 2010 TV Series): An Irish immigrant and enforcer who works for Nucky Thompson during the Prohibition era.
  • Owen ("The Last Mimzy," 2007 Film): A young boy who discovers a mysterious box containing futuristic devices that grant him special abilities.
  • Owen Thoreau Jr. ("Men of a Certain Age," 2009 TV Series): A car salesman and one of three middle-aged friends navigating life's challenges.
  • Owen Lift ("Throw Momma from the Train," 1987 Film): A writing student who gets involved in a murder plot with his eccentric professor.
  • Owen City (Wisconsin, USA): A small city in Clark County with a rich history in the lumber industry.
  • Owen County (Indiana, USA): Known for its beautiful natural landscapes including the McCormick's Creek State Park.
  • Owen Sound City (Ontario, Canada): A harbor city on Georgian Bay known for its vibrant arts community and outdoor activities.
  • Mount Owen (Wyoming, USA): The second highest peak in the Teton Range, offering challenging climbs and spectacular views.

Similar Names to Owen