Rowan
Rowan: name meaning, origin and popularity
Pronunciation (IPA): /ɹəʊən/ · /ɹoʊən/
Meaning and origin of Rowan
Root meaning: “little red one”
- A male given name from Irish.
- A unisex given name from English of modern usage, often associated with the rowan tree.
Etymology
Anglicised from the Irish saints' name Ruadhán (“little red one”), or as a surname from Ó Ruadháin (“descendant of Ruadhán”).
How popular is Rowan?
Since 1880, 22,225 girls and 50,628 boys in the U.S. have been named Rowan (31% girls). Its highest rank for girls was #212 in 2018. Its highest rank for boys was #59 in 2025. In 2025 it ranked #59 for boys, with 6,452 babies given the name.
Names similar to Rowan
Names that start with the same letters, most popular first.
More Irish unisex names
Sibling name ideas for Rowan
Sister and brother names that share Rowan's Irish roots and are still in the U.S. top 1,000.
Rowan FAQ
What does the name Rowan mean?
Rowan traces back to a root meaning "little red one". A male given name from Irish. A unisex given name from English of modern usage, often associated with the rowan tree. Anglicised from the Irish saints' name Ruadhán (“little red one”), or as a surname from Ó Ruadháin (“descendant of Ruadhán”).
What is the origin of the name Rowan?
Rowan is listed as a name of Irish origin.
How popular is the name Rowan?
Since 1880, 22,225 girls and 50,628 boys in the U.S. have been named Rowan (31% girls). Its highest rank for girls was #212 in 2018. Its highest rank for boys was #59 in 2025. In 2025 it ranked #59 for boys, with 6,452 babies given the name.
Is Rowan a boy or girl name?
Rowan is used for both boys and girls in the U.S. (22,225 girls and 50,628 boys since 1880).
Popularity data: U.S. Social Security Administration baby name data, 1880–2025 (names given to 5+ babies per year). Origin and etymology text: Wiktionary, available under CC BY-SA 4.0.