Owen

♂ Boy

Pronounced OH-en /ˈoʊ.ɪn/High

Meaning: Young warrior; well-born; the Welsh form of EugeneHigh

In 30 seconds: A Welsh classic meaning 'young warrior' or 'well-born,' Owen has been a staple of Welsh culture for centuries and is a steady top-30 boys' name in the United States.

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Origin HighWelsh, Latin

MeaningYoung warrior; well-born; the Welsh form of Eugene

Peak year2016

Total births (all-time)≈ 177,951

Popularity in the U.S. · SSA data

U.S. births per year (Social Security Administration, 1880–present). Pink marker = peak year.

History & Origin

Owen is an anglicization of the Welsh Owain, itself likely derived from the Latin Eugenius (meaning 'well-born,' from Greek eugenes), though some scholars trace it to a Celtic root. It has deep roots in Welsh tradition, borne by warriors, princes, and Arthurian heroes.

Owen has been used steadily in Wales and among Welsh diaspora communities for centuries. In the U.S. it began rising in the 1990s and has remained in the top 25–35 boys' names since the early 2000s, appreciated for its clean sound and Celtic heritage.

Did you know? Owen is traditionally associated with the legendary Welsh hero Owain, who appears in the Arthurian cycle as a Knight of the Round Table, and with Owain Glyndŵr (c. 1359–c. 1415), the last native Prince of Wales to hold that title.

Variations

OwainEvanEugeneEwan

Nicknames

Owie

Famous Bearers

★Owen Wilson (1968–)
American actor known for comedies and the Wes Anderson film canon.
★Owain Glyndŵr (c. 1359–c. 1415)
Welsh leader, the last Welshman to hold the title Prince of Wales.

If you like Owen…

Liam— shares the Celtic origins and modern top-rank appeal

Finn— equally crisp Celtic name with the same clean sound

Callum— Scottish/Celtic classic with the same no-fuss quality

Declan— Irish Celtic name with the same distinctive regional charm

Frequently Asked

What does the name Owen mean?

Owen is a Welsh form of the Latin Eugenius, meaning 'well-born' or 'young warrior,' with deep roots in Welsh Celtic tradition.

How do you pronounce Owen?

Owen is said OH-en /ˈoʊ.ɪn/ — two syllables, with stress on the first.

Is Owen a boy or girl name?

Owen is used almost exclusively as a boy's name.

How popular is Owen?

Owen has consistently ranked in the U.S. top 25–35 boys' names since the early 2000s, valued for its clean Celtic sound.