Rownan is a unique and distinctive name of Irish origin. It is derived from the ancient Gaelic name "Ruadhán," which is composed of two elements: "ruadh" meaning red or fiery, and "án" meaning little. Thus, Rownan translates to "little fiery one."
The name Ruadhán was borne by several early Irish saints, including Saint Ruadhan of Lorrha, who founded the monastery at Clonmacnoise in the 6th century. This has contributed to the enduring popularity of the name and its variants over centuries.
In modern times, Rownan has gained international recognition as a unique and memorable name choice for boys. While it is not particularly common, those who bear this name stand out due to its distinctiveness and rich history. It's often associated with strength, passion, and a fiery spirit, reflecting the meaning of its components.
In terms of popularity, Rownan does not appear in the Social Security Administration's list of top baby names in the United States, suggesting that it remains quite rare but also unique and special. Its Irish roots give it a cultural significance and an air of mystery and intrigue.
The name Rowan appears to have experienced fluctuations in popularity over the past decade in the United States. In 2014, there were 6 babies named Rowan, followed by a significant increase to 13 births in 2017. However, the number of newborns named Rowan dropped back down to 6 in 2018 before fluctuating between 5 and 8 births from 2019 to 2020. Recently, there has been another rise in popularity, with 11 babies named Rowan in 2022 and 7 in 2023.
Overall, since 2014, a total of 56 newborns have been given the name Rowan in the United States. While it is not one of the most popular names, it has maintained a steady presence among new parents' choices during this period.