Rowan

♀ Girl

Pronounced ROH-un /ˈroʊ.ən/High

Meaning: Little red-haired one; from Irish Ruadhán (red-haired); also associated with the rowan tree (from Old Norse reynir)High

In 30 seconds: An Irish name meaning 'little red-haired one,' also linked to the rowan tree — a Celtic symbol of protection. Originally male, Rowan has become one of the most stylish gender-neutral names of the 21st century.

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Origin HighIrish Gaelic, Old Norse

MeaningLittle red-haired one; from Irish Ruadhán (red-haired); also associated with the rowan tree (from Old Norse reynir)

Peak year2017

Total births (all-time)≈ 12,087

Popularity in the U.S. · SSA data

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

History & Origin

Rowan has two distinct but linked origins. As an Irish name, it derives from Ruadhán (little red one), from ruadh ('red'). As a nature name, it is associated with the rowan tree (Sorbus aucuparia), whose name comes from Old Norse reynir. The tree name and the personal name share phonetic similarity and are often conflated. Saint Rúadán of Lorrha (d. 584) was an early Irish monk.

Rowan was used primarily as a boys' name in Ireland and Scotland, but in the United States in the 21st century it has become predominantly a girls' name. Its nature-name associations, Celtic heritage, and gender-neutral character make it one of the most fashionable names of the 2010s and 2020s. It now ranks in the top 100 girls' names.

Did you know? The rowan tree (mountain ash) was considered magical and protective in Celtic and Norse traditions — it was planted near homes to ward off evil and was thought to prevent witches from entering.

Variations

RoanRowen

Nicknames

RowRowie

Famous Bearers

★Rowan Atkinson (b. 1955)
British actor and comedian, known as Mr. Bean and Blackadder.

If you like Rowan…

Wren— short nature bird name with the same crisp gender-neutral quality

Ivy— climbing plant nature name with the same Celtic protection folklore

Quinn— Irish gender-neutral name equally popular for girls

Willow— tree name with the same graceful, nature-inspired appeal

Frequently Asked

What does the name Rowan mean?

Rowan means 'little red-haired one' from Irish Ruadhán, and is also associated with the rowan tree — a Celtic symbol of protection.

How do you pronounce Rowan?

Rowan is pronounced ROH-un (/ˈroʊ.ən/) — two syllables with stress on the first.

Is Rowan a boy or girl name?

Rowan is used for both sexes but has become predominantly a girls' name in the United States in the 21st century.

How popular is Rowan?

Rowan has been climbing the U.S. charts and is now in the top 100 girls' names, with strong appeal as a gender-neutral name.