Ewen

♂ Boy

Pronounced YOO-ən /ˈju.ən/High

Meaning: Scottish form of Gaelic Eógan, usually read as 'born of the yew tree'; related to Ewan and EoghanMedium

In 30 seconds: A Highland evergreen: Ewen descends from Gaelic Eógan, 'born of the yew' — the tree of long life that shadows old kirkyards. Ewan McGregor spells it differently; the Highlands spell it both ways.

💕 Browse more names

Origin MediumScottish, Gaelic

MeaningScottish form of Gaelic Eógan, usually read as 'born of the yew tree'; related to Ewan and Eoghan

U.S. rank (2025)#5090 ↘ Falling

2025 U.S. births19 boys (0.00% of U.S. boys)

Peak year2024

Total births (all-time)≈ 204

Popularity in the U.S. · SSA data

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

SSA data updated May 2026. How we source & verify this data.

History & Origin

Ewen is a Scottish spelling of Gaelic Eógan — generally read as 'born of the yew', the long-lived sacred tree, though some scholars route it through Greek Eugenios, 'well-born'. Medieval Scotland knew kings and chiefs of the name; Clan MacEwen carries the patronymic.

Modern fame belongs to the Ewan spelling via actor Ewan McGregor, with Ewen the quieter archival form. In the U.S. it is rare — soft-spoken, woodland, and clan-crested.

Did you know? Yews can live for thousands of years — some Scottish churchyard yews predate the churches beside them — making 'born of the yew' a wish for deep-rooted long life.

Overall data confidence 78%

Behind the Name — Eógan — etymology, debated

Variations

EwanEoghanEuan

Nicknames

Famous Bearers

★Ewen Bremner (1972-)
Scottish actor known for Trainspotting
★Ewen Cameron (1901-1967)
Scottish-American psychiatrist and former president of the American Psychiatric Association
★Ewen MacIntosh (1973-2024)
British actor known for the sitcom The Office

If you like Ewen…

Ewan— the McGregor-famous spelling of the same name

Owen— the Welsh cousin Americans know best

Eoin— the Irish brother form

Lachlan— a fellow Highland classic heading west

Explore names like Ewen

By themenature scottish gaelic

All themes →All meanings →All origins →

Frequently Asked

What does the name Ewen mean?

Ewen is a Scottish form of Gaelic Eógan, usually read as 'born of the yew tree', though some link it to Greek 'well-born'.

How do you pronounce Ewen?

It's said YOO-ən /ˈju.ən/ — two syllables, stress on the first.

Is Ewen a boy or girl name?

Ewen is a boy's name.

How popular is Ewen?

Ewen is a rare spelling in the U.S.; Ewan and Owen are the familiar cousins.