Roan is a unique and distinctive name of Irish origin. It is derived from the Irish surname "Ó Ruan" which was originally an anglicized form of the Gaelic name "Ua Ruain." The meaning behind this name is "little seal," which is believed to have been given to those who had dark hair or eyes, as seals are known for their dark fur and eyes.
The name Roan has a rich history dating back to ancient Irish times. It was borne by several notable figures in Irish history, including the 12th-century warrior king of Connacht, Ruaidhrí mac Tairrdelbach Ua Conchobair, who was also known as "Roan" due to his dark complexion.
Over time, Roan has evolved from a traditional Irish surname into a modern and unique given name. While it is still relatively rare, its distinctive sound and meaningful origin make it an appealing choice for parents looking for something different for their child.
In terms of popularity, Roan has not yet made it onto the Social Security Administration's list of most popular baby names in the United States, but it has been gaining traction in recent years. In 2019, there were 56 newborn boys named Roan, up from just nine in 2010.
Overall, Roan is a name with a fascinating history and meaningful origin that sets it apart from many other names. Its unique sound and distinctive meaning make it an attractive choice for parents looking to give their child a special and memorable name.
The name Roan has seen a significant increase in popularity over the past few decades in the United States. According to the data provided, there were only five births with the name Roan in 1926, and it remained relatively uncommon throughout much of the mid-20th century.
However, starting around the late 1990s, there was a notable uptick in the number of babies named Roan. In 1996 and 1997, there were 16 births each year with the name Roan, compared to just five or six births per year during the preceding decades.
This trend continued into the 2000s, with a significant increase in the number of babies named Roan. In 2004, there were 96 births with the name Roan, and this number continued to grow each year, reaching a peak of 132 births in 2019.
While the popularity of the name Roan has fluctuated over time, it is clear that it has become much more common in recent years. Between 1926 and 2023, there have been a total of 2443 babies named Roan born in the United States. This demonstrates that while the name may not have been particularly popular in past generations, it has gained significant traction in recent decades.
It is also worth noting that the popularity of the name Roan appears to be somewhat cyclical, with periods of increased popularity followed by slight decreases before climbing again. For example, after reaching a peak of 132 births in 2019, there were 131 births in 2020 and 126 births in 2021, suggesting that the name may have reached its peak popularity or is experiencing a slight decline.
Nevertheless, based on the data provided, it is clear that Roan has become an increasingly popular baby name in the United States over the past few decades.