Rowan is a unisex given name of Irish origin. It comes from the Irish surname Ó Ronáin, which was derived from the Irish word "róidhean" meaning "little red-haired one". The name has been used as a given name in Ireland since at least the 17th century.
The meaning of Rowan is not universally agreed upon, but some sources suggest that it may mean "red-haired" or "little red-haired one", while others propose that it means "from the rowan tree". In Irish mythology, the rowan tree was considered sacred and was associated with the god of wisdom and poetry, Lugh.
Throughout history, Rowan has been used as a given name for both boys and girls in Ireland. It gained popularity in England during the Victorian era and has since been used worldwide. Today, it is still most commonly used as a boy's name but can also be found as a girl's name.
In terms of famous people named Rowan, some notable examples include British actor Rowan Atkinson, best known for his role as Mr. Bean, and American journalist and author Rowan Farrow. However, these individuals are not representative of the personality or character traits associated with the name Rowan, as names do not determine the characteristics of those who bear them.
In conclusion, Rowan is a unisex given name of Irish origin that means "red-haired" or "little red-haired one". It has been used as a given name in Ireland since at least the 17th century and has gained popularity worldwide. While it is most commonly associated with boys today, it can also be found as a girl's name. Its meaning and history are not tied to any particular personality traits or characteristics.
Statistics on the Name Rowan in the United States:
The name Rowan has seen significant growth and popularity in the United States over the past few decades, according to the Social Security Administration's data on births.
From 1942 to 1985, the number of babies named Rowan remained relatively low, ranging from a mere 7 births in 1942 to a peak of 11 births in 1986. However, beginning in 1991, there was a notable increase in the usage of the name Rowan.
In 1991, there were 30 babies named Rowan, and this number steadily rose over the next decade. By 1997, the number of babies named Rowan had reached 167, marking a significant shift in popularity for the name.
The late 1990s and early 2000s saw a continued rise in the usage of Rowan, with the number of births reaching an all-time high of 1459 in 2018. Although there was a slight dip in 2019 and 2020, with 1351 and 1179 births respectively, the name Rowan remained popular.
In recent years, the popularity of Rowan has held steady, with 1259 babies named Rowan in 2021 and an estimated 1285 births in 2023. Overall, from 1942 to 2023, there have been a total of 19775 babies named Rowan born in the United States.
This data suggests that the name Rowan has become increasingly popular over time, particularly since the early 1990s. It is now one of the more common names given to newborns in the United States, with thousands of children sharing this unique and memorable moniker each year.