Roan

Updated: October 19, 2023 by Stephanie Graham

Roan is an uncommon unisex baby name. In Gaelic, Roan means “red-haired.” In Frisian it means “raven.” Roan is a less common spelling variant of Rowan which has been rising in popularity in the last few decades.

Meaning and Origin of the name Roan:

Roan is a gender-neutral name of Irish and Scottish origin meaning “red-haired” or “little red one.” Roan is also of Frisian origin and it means “raven.”

Roan is a spelling variant of Rowan. Rowan comes from the Irish surname Ó Ruadháin, which is derived from the Gaelic word ruadh (meaning “red-haired” or “rusty”). Rowan may have been in reference to the Rowan tree, which has red berries and is native to the Northern Hemisphere. This means Roan may mean “red-haired” or “little red one.” Roan is also a Frisian given name meaning “raven” and comes from the Germanic element hraban (meaning “raven”).

Symbolism of the name Roan:

The Rowan tree is known in Celtic Mythology as the tree of life. It symbolizes courage, wisdom, and protection. Ravens are a member of the corvid family of birds. Ravens are symbols of death to many cultures worldwide but also of knowledge, messages from afar, and war.

Nicknames for the name Roan:

Roan is a less common spelling variation of the name Rowan and is a great name for both boys and girls. We gathered nicknames for Roan in the list below to help you find the perfect nickname for your baby. There are several options along with some different spelling variations.