Rowen

♀ Girl

Pronounced ROH-en /ˈroʊ.ən/Low

Meaning: Little red-haired one; from Irish RuadhánLow

In 30 seconds: Rowen is a nature-tinged unisex name with Irish roots meaning little red-haired one, from the Gaelic Ruadhán. It also evokes the rowan tree, whose bright red berries make it a symbol of protection in Celtic folklore.

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Origin LowIrish, English

MeaningLittle red-haired one; from Irish Ruadhán

U.S. rank (2024)#1287 ↗ Rising

2024 U.S. births180 girls (0.01% of U.S. girls)

Peak year2018

Total births (all-time)≈ 2,487

Popularity in the U.S. · SSA data

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

History & Origin

Rowen derives from the Irish Gaelic name Ruadhán, meaning little red one, referring to red hair. Saint Ruadhán of Lorrha was a 6th-century Irish monk. The spelling Rowen merges this Gaelic heritage with the English nature name Rowan (the mountain ash tree).

Rowen has grown as a unisex name in the United States, part of the broader appeal of nature and Celtic-derived names. It sits alongside Rowan, Ronan, and Roan as part of the Ro- name family favored by parents seeking natural, timeless names.

Did you know? In Celtic folklore, the rowan tree was considered the most protective of trees, with the power to ward off evil spirits. Planting one near a home was believed to bring safety to the household.

Overall data confidence 90%

Behind the Name: Rowan

Variations

RowanRoanRowenaRowane

Nicknames

RowRo

Famous Bearers

★Ruadhan of Lorrha (died 584)
Irish saint and monastic founder, one of the Twelve Apostles of Ireland; his Gaelic name Ruadhan is anglicized as Rowan/Rowen

If you like Rowen…

Rowan— Standard spelling of same name

Roan— Same Ro- root with similar nature feel

Soren— Two-syllable unisex name with Celtic/Scandinavian feel

Lennon— Two-syllable unisex name with Irish roots

Frequently Asked

What does Rowen mean?

Rowen means little red-haired one from the Irish Gaelic Ruadhán, and also evokes the rowan tree, a symbol of Celtic protection.

Is Rowen a boy or girl name?

Rowen is used for both boys and girls, making it a popular unisex choice in the United States.

How do you pronounce Rowen?

Rowen is pronounced ROH-en, with two syllables.

What are variants of Rowen?

Variants of Rowen include Rowan, Roan, and Rowena.