Owen

Updated: October 24, 2023 by Stephanie Graham

Owen is a popular baby name for boys that receives its origins from two separate countries, Wales and Ireland. The name has a natural sense of nobility coming from the meaning that is given to the name of well-born. It is now, however, used for any little boy regardless of socioeconomic status, especially when considering it is on the top 50 list of the Social Security Index.

Meaning and Origin of the name Owen:

Owen is a boy's name of Irish and Welsh origin meaning “youth,” “well-born,” or “young warrior.”

The baby name Owen comes from traditional European history. In Ireland, the baby name is the English version of the Gaelic name Eoghan (meaning “youth” or “born of yew”). In Wales, however, the name is the English version of the baby name Owain. Each of these names comes from the name Eugene, based on the Greek word eugenēs (meaning “good born”).

Symbolism of the name Owen:

The baby name Owen retained the meanings of the classical Eugene. The well-born meaning gives Owen a sense of nobility and power. The meanings of youth and young warrior come from the meanings of either Eoghan or Owain.

Nicknames for the name Owen:

Owen is a darling and respectable name for boys. With only two syllables, it doesn't have many options in the way of nicknames. We gathered all the nicknames associated with Owen in the list below to help you find a great nickname for your son.

Owie
Ennie
Wen
O
Wennie
Ows
Ozzie

Style of the name Owen:

Traditional

Gender of the name Owen:

The baby name Owen is exclusively used for males.

Pronunciation of the name Owen:

O-in

Number of syllables in the name Owen:

Two

Emotion evoked from the name Owen:

The baby name Owen feels regal and noble. It also has a youthful energy that feels energizing.

Alternative spellings for the name Owen:

Ewan
Owenn
Owhen

Popularity of the name Owen:

In 2020, the baby name Owen ranked at number 22 on the Social Security Index, almost putting it on the top 20 list. The baby name has been on the top 50 list since 2010, and on the top 100 list since 2002. This is the most popular that Owen has ever been when going back to 1900.