Ewan first name popularity, history and meaning

Find out how popular the first name Ewan has been for the last 49 years (from 1976 to 2024) and learn more about the meaning and history.

Meaning of Ewan

Well-born, born of the gentry, from an Old English surname.

Popularity of Ewan by gender

Based on the last 49 years of data, Ewan is exclusively a male name.

For the most recent data in 2024, there were 118 male babies and 0 female babies born with the name Ewan.

Year	Male Count	Female Count
2024	118	0
2023	146	0
2022	129	0
2021	121	0
2020	111	0
2019	109	0
2018	103	0
2017	119	0
2016	137	0
2015	139	0
2014	158	0
2013	168	0
2012	141	0
2011	140	0
2010	147	0
2009	137	0
2008	124	0
2007	130	0
2006	148	0
2005	110	0
2004	91	0
2003	85	0
2002	82	0
2001	49	0
2000	36	0
1999	43	0
1998	27	0
1997	12	0
1994	6	0
1993	5	0
1987	8	0
1983	6	0
1982	8	0
1981	7	0
1976	6	0

The history of the first name Ewan

The given name Ewan is a Scottish name derived from the Gaelic name Eoghan, which is rooted in the Old Celtic word "Euganus". This name was originally used in ancient Celtic cultures across parts of what is now Scotland and Ireland, possibly as early as the 5th century AD.

Eoghan is believed to have originated as a personal name meaning "born of the yew tree" or "well-born". The yew tree held significant symbolism in ancient Celtic cultures, often associated with longevity, rebirth, and the otherworld.

In early medieval Scotland, the name Eoghan was borne by several notable figures, including Eoghan mac Muireadhach, a King of Dalriada in the late 5th century, and Eoghan Sreibhne, a 7th-century Irish prince and legendary warrior. These historical figures helped to establish the name's prominence in the region.

As the name evolved linguistically, it took on various spellings such as Ewan, Ewen, and Euan, reflecting the differences in regional dialects and the gradual transition from Gaelic to English in parts of Scotland.

One of the earliest recorded examples of the name Ewan dates back to the 12th century, with Ewan Curry, a Scottish nobleman and landowner. In the 14th century, Ewan Cameron, a member of the influential Clan Cameron, played a significant role in the Scottish Wars of Independence.

Throughout history, several notable figures have borne the name Ewan, including:

Ewan MacColl (1915-1989), a renowned English folk singer, songwriter, and labor activist.
Ewan McGregor (born 1971), a Scottish actor best known for his roles in films like "Trainspotting" and the "Star Wars" prequel trilogy.
Ewan Pearson (born 1977), a Scottish electronic music producer and DJ.
Ewan Sommerville (1876-1962), a Scottish architect and designer known for his work in the Arts and Crafts movement.
Ewan Butler (1949-2023), a Scottish actor and voice artist who provided voices for numerous animated series and video games.

While the name Ewan has its roots in ancient Celtic cultures, it has endured through the centuries and continues to be used in various parts of the world, particularly in Scotland, where it remains a popular choice among parents seeking a name with historical and cultural significance.

Data source

The first name data used on this page comes from the Social Security Administration (SSA). They've been collecting data on baby names since 1880.

The history and meaning of the name Ewan was researched and written by our team of onomatology and genealogy experts.

If you have a correction or suggestion to improve the history of Ewan, please contact us.

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