Rowley is an uncommon given name of English origin. It is derived from the surname Rowley, which is believed to have been an occupational name for a maker or seller of rowing boats. The term "rowing" itself comes from the Old Norse word "róa," meaning "row." Therefore, the name Rowley roughly translates to "from the place where rowing boats are made."
The use of Rowley as a given name is not well-documented historically. It does not appear in the Social Security Administration's list of popular baby names in the United States or the United Kingdom. However, this does not mean that it has never been used as a given name. It could be that families have chosen to use Rowley as an unusual and unique name for their children.
There is no specific meaning attributed to the name Rowley beyond its occupational origin. It does not have any associated myths or legends like some other names with historical or cultural significance. However, this lack of widespread usage and association may allow those who bear the name Rowley to create their own personal meanings and associations based on their experiences and preferences.
In summary, Rowley is an uncommon English given name derived from an occupational surname meaning "from the place where rowing boats are made." Its use as a given name is not well-documented, but it could have been chosen by families for its uniqueness. There is no specific meaning or history associated with the name beyond its origin, allowing those who bear it to create their own personal meanings and associations.
The name Rowley has seen a varied trend in popularity over the past decade and a half in the United States. Between 2008 and 2023, there were a total of 47 babies named Rowley at birth.
In 2008, there were 6 births with the name Rowley, marking one of the higher peaks during this period. The popularity seemed to dip slightly in the following year, with only 5 births recorded in 2009.
After a few years, we saw another spike in popularity for the name Rowley in 2012, with 8 births that year. However, the trend fluctuated again, and there were only 5 births each in 2016 and 2018.
Interestingly, the past couple of years have seen a resurgence in the use of the name Rowley. There were 6 births in both 2018 and 2021, indicating that it might be regaining some popularity among parents.
Finally, in 2023, there were another 5 babies named Rowley at birth. While this is slightly lower than the recent peaks, it still suggests that the name continues to have a steady presence in the United States.