Cowen is a name of Irish origin and meaning. It comes from the Irish surname "Ó Cuadháin," which translates to "descendant of the son of Cuadhán." Cuadhán, in turn, means "hound" or "wolf" in Irish.
The Ó Cuadháins were an ancient Irish family who were originally from County Mayo but later became prominent in Connacht. The name Cowen is not particularly common today, but it has been carried by notable figures throughout history.
One of the most famous bearers of this name was Cowen Pendergast, a Welsh politician and judge in the 17th century. He served as Lord Chief Justice of Ireland from 1634 to 1641. Another notable figure was James Cowen, an Irish-American soldier who fought in the American Civil War.
Cowen is also a name that appears in literature, notably in the works of Irish playwright George Fitzmaurice. His play "The Magic Mirror" features a character named Cowen.
While not as widespread as some other Irish names, Cowen has a rich history and a unique meaning that sets it apart. Its association with ancient Irish families and notable figures gives it a sense of timelessness and tradition.
The name Cowen has seen varied popularity over the past two decades in the United States, with a total of 250 babies given this name since 2004.
In the initial years, the name showed steady growth, with 14 births in 2004 and reaching a peak of 20 births in 2010. However, there was a significant decline in popularity in subsequent years, with only 6 births recorded in both 2011 and 2016.
Despite this decline, the name Cowen has maintained some level of consistency, with an average of about 13 births per year between 2004 and 2023. The most recent data shows a resurgence in popularity, with 14 births recorded in both 2021 and 2023.
Overall, while the name Cowen may not be among the most popular choices for parents in the United States, it has nonetheless maintained a steady presence over the past two decades. It will be interesting to see if this trend continues in the coming years.