Find out how popular the first name Owan has been for the last 14 years (from 2006 to 2019) and learn more about the meaning and history.

Popularity of Owan by gender

Based on the last 14 years of data, Owan is exclusively a male name.

For the most recent data in 2019, there were 5 male babies and 0 female babies born with the name Owan.

The history of the first name Owan

The name Owan is believed to have originated from the Old Irish language, dating back to the 6th century AD. It is derived from the Gaelic word "uan," which means "lamb" or "young sheep." This suggests that the name might have been associated with qualities such as innocence, purity, and gentleness.

In ancient Irish folklore and mythology, there are references to characters with similar names, such as Uan mac Cailchin, a legendary Irish warrior and poet from the 7th century. However, it is unclear if there is a direct connection between these names and the modern form of Owan.

One of the earliest recorded instances of the name Owan can be found in the Annals of Ulster, a chronicle of medieval Irish history. In this text, an individual named Owan mac Echdach is mentioned as a scribe and scholar who lived in the 9th century.

Throughout history, there have been several notable individuals bearing the name Owan. One such figure was Owan of Iona, a Scottish monk and scribe who lived in the 8th century. He is renowned for his contributions to the preservation and transcription of ancient texts at the Iona Abbey.

In the 12th century, Owan mac Gilla Críst was an Irish cleric and scholar from the Kingdom of Mide (present-day County Westmeath). He was known for his expertise in canon law and served as the Bishop of Clonmacnoise.

Another notable figure was Owan O'Farrelly, an Irish chieftain from the 15th century who ruled over a territory in what is now County Longford. He played a significant role in local politics and was involved in various conflicts during his lifetime.

In the 17th century, Owan O'Donnell was an Irish soldier who fought for the Catholic Confederacy during the Irish Confederate Wars. He was known for his bravery and military prowess on the battlefield.

While the name Owan has its roots in ancient Irish culture, it has been adopted and used across various regions and ethnicities over the centuries. The name's association with qualities such as innocence and purity has contributed to its enduring appeal and use throughout history.

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 Owan was researched and written by our team of onomatology and genealogy experts.

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

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