—2024 rank (unisex)
2018peak year
20,976babies named Rowan since 1880
▼ 12%5-year trend
Rowan popularity over 145 years
⚖️ Shared by both genders · roughly 20% girls / 80% boys in 2024
What does Rowan mean?
Two roots run through this name. The Gaelic Ruadhan means 'little red-haired one'; the Norse reynir is the rowan tree, whose red berries were planted by cottage doors to ward off witchcraft. It works equally well for boys and girls - roughly a 60/40 split in recent years.
OriginGaelic / Norse
Syllables2
Genderunisex
Stylenature, modern
Names like Rowan
Same era, same vibe — if you like Rowan, these usually land on the shortlist too.
Famous Rowans
- Rowan Atkinson, actor (Mr. Bean)
- Rowan Williams, Archbishop of Canterbury
- The rowan tree of Celtic folklore
Spellings & variants
RowenRuanRuadhanRoan
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