Rowan

Updated: October 17, 2023 by Stephanie Graham

Rowan is an Irish name with a history that dates back to the sixth century, though it didn't become common in the United States until the 2000s. While it's generally considered a name for baby boys, a celebrity baby born in 2003 helped it gain popularity as a name for baby girls too. It's also the name of a beloved British actor and a tree that was quite symbolic to the Celts.

Meaning and Origin of the name Rowan:

Rowan is a gender-neutral name of Irish and Scottish origin meaning “red-haired” or “little red one.”

Rowan is derived from the Irish surname Ó Ruadháin, which comes from the word ruadh (meaning “red-haired” or “rusty”). Rowan is also an Arabic girl's name that means “a river in paradise.” Rowan may refer to the Rowan tree.

Symbolism of the name Rowan:

The rowan tree is beloved for its beauty, stamina and protective qualities. Its red berries attract birds, which the Celts felt was a positive omen.

Nicknames for the name Rowan:

Rowan is an adorable name for boys and girls. If you are looking for the perfect nickname for your baby named Rowan, then check out the list below. We gathered all of the nicknames for Rowan to aid you in your search for the best nickname for your baby.

Ro
Roo
Row
Rowi
Rooroo
Ronie
Rowie
Winnie

Style of the name Rowan:

Traditional, yet modern in the United States

Gender of the name Rowan:

Rowan is both a boy's and a girl's name, but it's more popular for boys in the United States.

Pronunciation of the name Rowan:

ROW-uhn

Number of syllables in the name Rowan:

Two

Emotion evoked from the name Rowan:

Rowan evokes the image of a person who is authoritative and powerful.

Alternative spellings for the name Rowan:

Popularity of the name Rowan:

Rowan first made the ranks among the top 1,000 names for baby boys in the United States in 1999. It's become more popular each year. As of 2020, it's ranked at number 113, according to the Social Security Administration.