Rowan Name Meaning

Helen Doanna

By Helen Doanna

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

Fact: The rowan tree, from the name Rowan, is often associated with protection and magic in folklore.

Continue Reading…
A Deep Dive

Rowan Overview

Meaning

Little red-head, rowan tree

Gender

Boy, Gender-neutral

Origin

English, Irish

Etymology

Derived from the Gaelic name Ruadhán or the Old Norse word reynir.

Pronunciation

/ˈroʊ.ən/

Popularity

Popular in English-speaking countries, ranked 76 in 2023 in the US.

Syllable

2 syllables

Length

5 letters

Numerology

8 (Practical, Ambitious, Materialistic)

Name Styles

Nature-inspired, Modern, Cool

Associated Traits

Nature-loving, strong, protective, charismatic

Name Day

July 30th
A Deep Dive

Rowan Variations in Different Cultures

Popular Variations

Roan, Rohan, Rowanne, Rowen, Ruadhán, Rohen, Rownan, Rowyn, Rowenna, Rauan

Common Nicknames

Roni, Rowe, RoRo, Rowie, Roo

Diminutives

Ro, Row, Wanny, Ryn, Ron

Famous People

  • Rowan Atkinson
    (British Comedian)
  • Rowan Blanchard
    (American Actress)
  • Rowan Ricardo Phillips
    (American Poet)

Pop Culture Icons and Works

  • "Rowan Tree"
    (Scottish Folk Song)
  • Rowan North
    ("Ghostbusters," Movie)
  • Rowan Whitethorn
    ("Throne of Glass," Novel Series)

Places

  • Rowan County
    (North Carolina, USA)
  • Rowan Public Library
    (North Carolina, USA)
  • Rowan Bay
    (Alaska, USA)

What Is the Meaning of Rowan?

The name Rowan means “little red-head”, containing the Gaelic word “ruadh,” which means “red.” Rowan is also associated with the rowan tree, known for its red berries.

What Is the Origin of The Name Rowan?

Rowan has both Gaelic and Old English origins. In Gaelic, it comes from the word “ruadh,” meaning “red.”

In Old English, Rowan is associated with the rowan tree, which was believed to have protective powers and is often found in folklore and mythology.

Rowan Name Popularity

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

United States flagUnited States#1052021#962022#762023
Top 3 Rankings#762023#962022#1052021

Annual Statistics Breakdown for Rowan

YearName RankingNumber of BirthsBirth Rate (%)
202376
(+20 from 2022)
4195
(+441 from 2022)
0.22909
202296
(+9 from 2021)
3754
(+112 from 2021)
0.20043
2021105
(+8 from 2020)
3642
(+387 from 2020)
0.19438
2020113
(+5 from 2019)
3255
(+32 from 2019)
0.17598
2019118
(+11 from 2018)
3223
(+185 from 2018)
0.16771
2018129
(+11 from 2017)
3038
(+192 from 2017)
0.15630
2017140
(+42 from 2016)
2846
(+652 from 2016)
0.14380
2016182
(+37 from 2015)
2194
(+378 from 2015)
0.10831
2015219
(+21 from 2014)
1816
(+269 from 2014)
0.08883
2014240
(+52 from 2013)
1547
(+350 from 2013)
0.07549
2013292
(+8 from 2012)
1197
(+46 from 2012)
0.05924
2012300
(+9 from 2011)
1151
(+104 from 2011)
0.05672
2011309
(+19 from 2010)
1047
(+92 from 2010)
0.05154
2010328
(+4 from 2009)
955
(-2 from 2009)
0.04649
2009332
(+7 from 2008)
957
(-15 from 2008)
0.04512
2008339
(+26 from 2007)
972
(+103 from 2007)
0.04458
2007365
(+58 from 2006)
869
(+196 from 2006)
0.03923
2006423
(+14 from 2005)
673
(+70 from 2005)
0.03070
2005437
(+39 from 2004)
603
(+74 from 2004)
0.02835
2004476
(+148 from 2003)
529
(+201 from 2003)
0.02503
2003624
(+192 from 2002)
328
(+122 from 2002)
0.01561
2002816
(+12 from 2001)
206
(+9 from 2001)
0.00997
2001828
(+142 from 2000)
197
(+42 from 2000)
0.00952
2000970
(+18 from 1999)
155
(+12 from 1999)
0.00742
1999988
(+209 from 1998)
143
(+40 from 1998)
0.00701
19981197
(-57 from 1997)
103
(-6 from 1997)
0.00508
19971140
(+106 from 1996)
109
(+20 from 1996)
0.00546
19961246
(+245 from 1995)
89
(+25 from 1995)
0.00444
19951491
(+198 from 1994)
64
(+11 from 1994)
0.00318
19941689
(+401 from 1993)
53
(+15 from 1993)
0.00260
19932090
(-176 from 1992)
38
(-4 from 1992)
0.00184
19921914
(+37 from 1991)
42
(+3 from 1991)
0.00200
19911951
(+422 from 1990)
39
(+10 from 1990)
0.00184
19902373
(+43 from 1989)
29
(+2 from 1989)
0.00135
19892416
(-270 from 1988)
27
(-2 from 1988)
0.00129
19882146
(+1192 from 1987)
29
(+15 from 1987)
0.00145
19873338
(-737 from 1986)
14
(-6 from 1986)
0.00072
19862601
(-97 from 1985)
20
No change from 1985
0.00104
19852504
(+450 from 1984)
20
(+5 from 1984)
0.00104
19842954
(+929 from 1983)
15
(+5 from 1983)
0.00080
19833883
(-1053 from 1982)
10
(-6 from 1982)
0.00054
19822830
(-413 from 1981)
16
(-4 from 1981)
0.00085
19812417
(+1198 from 1980)
20
(+9 from 1980)
0.00107
19803615
(-259 from 1979)
11
(-1 from 1979)
0.00059
19793356
(-287 from 1978)
12
(-1 from 1978)
0.00067
19783069
(+25 from 1976)
13
(+1 from 1976)
0.00076
19770
No SSA data
0
No SSA data
0.0000
19763094
(+565 from 1975)
12
(+3 from 1975)
0.00074
19753659
(+531 from 1974)
9
(+2 from 1974)
0.00055
19744190
(-134 from 1973)
7
No change from 1973
0.00043
19734056
(-94 from 1972)
7
No change from 1972
0.00043
19723962
(-991 from 1971)
7
(-4 from 1971)
0.00042
19712971
(-109 from 1969)
11
(+1 from 1969)
0.00061
19700
No SSA data
0
No SSA data
0.0000
19692862
(+503 from 1968)
10
(+3 from 1968)
0.00055
19683365
(-381 from 1967)
7
(-1 from 1967)
0.00039
19672984
(+3 from 1966)
8
No change from 1966
0.00045
19662987
(+551 from 1965)
8
(+2 from 1965)
0.00044
19653538
(-1498 from 1964)
6
(-10 from 1964)
0.00032
19642040
(+2008 from 1963)
16
(+11 from 1963)
0.00079
19634048
(-397 from 1961)
5
(-1 from 1961)
0.00024
19620
No SSA data
0
No SSA data
0.0000
19613651
(+390 from 1960)
6
(+1 from 1960)
0.00028
19604041
(-757 from 1959)
5
(-2 from 1959)
0.00023
19593284
(-7 from 1958)
7
No change from 1958
0.00032
19583277
(-647 from 1957)
7
(-3 from 1957)
0.00032
19572630
(+339 from 1956)
10
(+2 from 1956)
0.00046
19562969
(-5 from 1955)
8
No change from 1955
0.00037
19552964
(+865 from 1954)
8
(+3 from 1954)
0.00038
19543829
(-406 from 1953)
5
(-1 from 1953)
0.00024
19533423
(-1171 from 1952)
6
(-6 from 1952)
0.00030
19522252
(+1462 from 1951)
12
(+7 from 1951)
0.00061
19513714
(-1134 from 1950)
5
(-4 from 1950)
0.00026
19502580
(-456 from 1949)
9
(-4 from 1949)
0.00049
19492124
(+319 from 1948)
13
(+3 from 1948)
0.00072
19482443
(+419 from 1947)
10
(+2 from 1947)
0.00056
19472862
(-172 from 1946)
8
No change from 1946
0.00043
19462690
(-559 from 1945)
8
(-3 from 1945)
0.00048
19452131
(+336 from 1944)
11
(+2 from 1944)
0.00080
19442467
(+497 from 1943)
9
(+2 from 1943)
0.00065
19432964
(+597 from 1942)
7
(+2 from 1942)
0.00048
19423561
(-101 from 1940)
5
No change from 1940
0.00036
19410
No SSA data
0
No SSA data
0.0000
19403460
(-631 from 1939)
5
(-2 from 1939)
0.00042
19392829
(-183 from 1938)
7
(-1 from 1938)
0.00062
19382646
(+33 from 1937)
8
No change from 1937
0.00070
19372679
(+175 from 1936)
8
(+1 from 1936)
0.00073
19362854
(+97 from 1935)
7
No change from 1935
0.00066
19352951
(-686 from 1934)
7
(-4 from 1934)
0.00065
19342265
(+1003 from 1933)
11
(+5 from 1933)
0.00104
19333268
(+508 from 1932)
6
(+1 from 1932)
0.00059
19323776
(-1675 from 1931)
5
(-8 from 1931)
0.00047
19312101
(+421 from 1928)
13
(+2 from 1928)
0.00122
19300
No SSA data
0
No SSA data
0.0000
19290
No SSA data
0
No SSA data
0.0000
19282522
(+928 from 1927)
11
(+4 from 1927)
0.00096
19273450
(-311 from 1926)
7
(-1 from 1926)
0.00060
19263139
(+16 from 1925)
8
No change from 1925
0.00070
19253155
(+712 from 1924)
8
(+2 from 1924)
0.00069
19243867
(-401 from 1923)
6
(-1 from 1923)
0.00051
19233466
(-836 from 1922)
7
(-4 from 1922)
0.00062
19222630
(+356 from 1921)
11
(+2 from 1921)
0.00098
19212986
(+1300 from 1920)
9
(+4 from 1920)
0.00079
19204286
(-550 from 1919)
5
(-1 from 1919)
0.00045
19193736
(-368 from 1918)
6
(-1 from 1918)
0.00059
19183368
(+530 from 1916)
7
(+2 from 1916)
0.00067
19170
No SSA data
0
No SSA data
0.0000
19163898
First SSA data recorded
5
First SSA data recorded
0.00054
19150
No SSA data
0
No SSA data
0.0000
19140
No SSA data
0
No SSA data
0.0000
19130
No SSA data
0
No SSA data
0.0000
19120
No SSA data
0
No SSA data
0.0000
19110
No SSA data
0
No SSA data
0.0000
19100
No SSA data
0
No SSA data
0.0000
19090
No SSA data
0
No SSA data
0.0000
19080
No SSA data
0
No SSA data
0.0000
19070
No SSA data
0
No SSA data
0.0000
19060
No SSA data
0
No SSA data
0.0000
19050
No SSA data
0
No SSA data
0.0000
19040
No SSA data
0
No SSA data
0.0000
19030
No SSA data
0
No SSA data
0.0000
19020
No SSA data
0
No SSA data
0.0000
19010
No SSA data
0
No SSA data
0.0000
19000
No SSA data
0
No SSA data
0.0000
18990
No SSA data
0
No SSA data
0.0000
18980
No SSA data
0
No SSA data
0.0000
18970
No SSA data
0
No SSA data
0.0000
18960
No SSA data
0
No SSA data
0.0000
18950
No SSA data
0
No SSA data
0.0000
18940
No SSA data
0
No SSA data
0.0000
18930
No SSA data
0
No SSA data
0.0000
18920
No SSA data
0
No SSA data
0.0000
18910
No SSA data
0
No SSA data
0.0000
18900
No SSA data
0
No SSA data
0.0000
18890
No SSA data
0
No SSA data
0.0000
18880
No SSA data
0
No SSA data
0.0000
18870
No SSA data
0
No SSA data
0.0000
18860
No SSA data
0
No SSA data
0.0000
18850
No SSA data
0
No SSA data
0.0000
18840
No SSA data
0
No SSA data
0.0000
18830
No SSA data
0
No SSA data
0.0000
18820
No SSA data
0
No SSA data
0.0000
18810
No SSA data
0
No SSA data
0.0000
18800
No SSA data
0
No SSA data
0.0000

American States Popularity Rankings for Rowan

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

California (CA)

California (CA) flagCalifornia (CA)#1492021#1372022#1282023

Texas (TX)

Texas (TX) flagTexas (TX)#1672021#1572022#1252023

Ohio (OH)

Ohio (OH) flagOhio (OH)#692021#662022#552023

Pennsylvania (PA)

Pennsylvania (PA) flagPennsylvania (PA)#712021#792022#602023

New York (NY)

New York (NY) flagNew York (NY)#1452021#1142022#1152023

Florida (FL)

Florida (FL) flagFlorida (FL)#1522021#1542022#1052023

Washington (WA)

Washington (WA) flagWashington (WA)#532021#602022#432023

Michigan (MI)

Michigan (MI) flagMichigan (MI)#782021#682022#692023

Illinois (IL)

Illinois (IL) flagIllinois (IL)#1182021#1082022#832023

Indiana (IN)

Indiana (IN) flagIndiana (IN)#842021#542022#522023

Colorado (CO)

Colorado (CO) flagColorado (CO)#572021#512022#422023

Virginia (VA)

Virginia (VA) flagVirginia (VA)#922021#972022#532023

Massachusetts (MA)

Massachusetts (MA) flagMassachusetts (MA)#672021#602022#532023

North Carolina (NC)

North Carolina (NC) flagNorth Carolina (NC)#1102021#1132022#772023

Tennessee (TN)

Tennessee (TN) flagTennessee (TN)#732021#862022#462023

Minnesota (MN)

Minnesota (MN) flagMinnesota (MN)#532021#802022#582023

Georgia (GA)

Georgia (GA) flagGeorgia (GA)#1362021#1212022#1012023

Missouri (MO)

Missouri (MO) flagMissouri (MO)#552021#542022#682023

Oregon (OR)

Oregon (OR) flagOregon (OR)#452021#312022#352023

Wisconsin (WI)

Wisconsin (WI) flagWisconsin (WI)#662021#762022#652023

Utah (UT)

Utah (UT) flagUtah (UT)#532021#502022#352023

Arizona (AZ)

Arizona (AZ) flagArizona (AZ)#1302021#1242022#1272023

Maryland (MD)

Maryland (MD) flagMaryland (MD)#1082021#1072022#832023

Louisiana (LA)

Louisiana (LA) flagLouisiana (LA)#1042021#1112022#692023

Kentucky (KY)

Kentucky (KY) flagKentucky (KY)#1062021#972022#692023

Iowa (IA)

Iowa (IA) flagIowa (IA)#652021#612022#492023

Oklahoma (OK)

Oklahoma (OK) flagOklahoma (OK)#832021#642022#612023

Alabama (AL)

Alabama (AL) flagAlabama (AL)#1112021#942022#862023

South Carolina (SC)

South Carolina (SC) flagSouth Carolina (SC)#1242021#992022#1062023

Kansas (KS)

Kansas (KS) flagKansas (KS)#732021#742022#472023

New Jersey (NJ)

New Jersey (NJ) flagNew Jersey (NJ)#2192021#1972022#1802023

Connecticut (CT)

Connecticut (CT) flagConnecticut (CT)#1262021#962022#862023

Arkansas (AR)

Arkansas (AR) flagArkansas (AR)#762021#802022#572023

Idaho (ID)

Idaho (ID) flagIdaho (ID)#582021#832022#432023

Mississippi (MS)

Mississippi (MS) flagMississippi (MS)#862021#1012022#642023

Nebraska (NE)

Nebraska (NE) flagNebraska (NE)#1182021#802022#812023

New Hampshire (NH)

New Hampshire (NH) flagNew Hampshire (NH)#312021#392022#622023

Maine (ME)

Maine (ME) flagMaine (ME)#662021#132022#272023

West Virginia (WV)

West Virginia (WV) flagWest Virginia (WV)#562021#782022#332023

Nevada (NV)

Nevada (NV) flagNevada (NV)#2542021#1642022#832023

Montana (MT)

Montana (MT) flagMontana (MT)#712021#652022#302023

Vermont (VT)

Vermont (VT) flagVermont (VT)#342021#252022#402023

Alaska (AK)

Alaska (AK) flagAlaska (AK)#422021#322022#572023

New Mexico (NM)

New Mexico (NM) flagNew Mexico (NM)#1862021#1352022#1302023

North Dakota (ND)

North Dakota (ND) flagNorth Dakota (ND)#992021#452022#432023

South Dakota (SD)

South Dakota (SD) flagSouth Dakota (SD)#1452021#1962022#522023

Rhode Island (RI)

Rhode Island (RI) flagRhode Island (RI)#1222021#452022#672023

Delaware (DE)

Delaware (DE) flagDelaware (DE)#802021#1572022#1292023

District of Columbia (DC)

District of Columbia (DC) flagDistrict of Columbia (DC)#1172021#1292022#732023

Hawaii (HI)

Hawaii (HI) flagHawaii (HI)#1932021#1032022#672023

Wyoming (WY)

Wyoming (WY) flagWyoming (WY)#712021#342022#342023

Popularity Rankings for Rowan in other Countries and American Territories

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

Popularity in Canada

Canada flagCanada#682021#532022#402023

Popularity in England and Wales

England and Wales flagEngland and Wales#822019#712020#632021

Popularity in Northern Ireland

Northern Ireland flagNorthern Ireland#752021#732022#672023

Popularity in Scotland

Scotland flagScotland#1172021#1132022#732023

Popularity in Ireland

Ireland flagIreland#1512021#1082022#1122023

Popularity in New Zealand

New Zealand flagNew Zealand#2012021#1832022#2982023

Popularity in Quebec, Canada

Quebec, Canada flagQuebec, Canada#7982020#5592021#4982022

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

Is Rowan a Name for Boys or Girls?

Rowan is a unisex name, meaning it is used for both boys and girls. It has traditionally been more common for boys, especially in Scotland and Ireland, but in recent years, it has become increasingly popular for girls as well.

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

Rowan in Famous People Names, Pop Culture, and Places

  • Rowan Atkinson (Comedian, born 1955): British comedian and actor known for his role as Mr. Bean and his work in the "Blackadder" series.
  • Rowan Blanchard (Actress, born 2001): American actress famous for her role as Riley Matthews on the TV show "Girl Meets World."
  • Rowan Ricardo Phillips (Poet, 1974): American poet and essayist known for his collections "The Ground" and "Heaven," and winner of the PEN/Joyce Osterweil Award for Poetry.
  • "Rowan Tree" (Scottish Folk Song): A traditional Scottish folk song celebrating the rowan tree, known for its cultural significance in Scotland.
  • Rowan North ("Ghostbusters," 2016, Movie): A character in the 2016 "Ghostbusters" movie, depicted as the main antagonist with supernatural abilities.
  • Rowan Whitethorn ("Throne of Glass," 2014, Novel Series): A character in Sarah J. Maas's fantasy series "Throne of Glass," known for his role as a fierce and loyal warrior.
  • Rowan County (North Carolina, USA): A county known for its historical sites and vibrant cultural community.
  • Rowan Public Library (North Carolina, USA): A public library system known for its extensive collection and community programs.
  • Rowan Bay (Alaska, USA): A scenic bay known for its stunning natural beauty and wildlife.

Similar Names to Rowan

Sibling Names for Rowan

Parents Who Like the Name Rowan Also Like

After learning the meaning of Rowan, you should let me know what you think in the comment section. I’d like to see you share the name Rowan with other people so they can give a unique moniker to their child.
Helen Doanna

Helen Doanna

Editor in Chief, Educational Specialist, and Senior Content Creator

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Child Development Specialist, Child-care Coordinator, Family Support Specialist, Content Writer, Communications Specialist, Educational Consultant, STEAM Teacher

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2. University of Social Science and Humanity, Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam

  • Program: Bachelor’s degree in Education Faculty
  • Focus: Core knowledge of social sciences and humanities – the root for the development of progressive values of education, Multicultural communication in education, Contemporary education in the context of globalization, Learning in the digital technology era, Basic issues of STEAM education, Classroom Management, Special education.

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Helen is an experienced educational specialist and content creator, known for her innovative approach to children’s learning. With a background in literature and child development, she composes engaging educational content for SimpleKids.net. Her work emphasizes creativity, engagement, and simplicity, aiming to make learning enjoyable and accessible for children and their families.

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