Find out how popular the first name Rhowan has been for the last 1 years (from 2022 to 2022) and learn more about the meaning and history.

Popularity of Rhowan by gender

Based on the last 1 years of data, Rhowan is exclusively a female name.

For the most recent data in 2022, there were 5 female babies and 0 male babies born with the name Rhowan.

The history of the first name Rhowan

The name Rhowan has its origins in the ancient Celtic language, spoken by various tribes across Europe during the Iron Age. The earliest recorded use of the name dates back to the 5th century BCE, where it appears in several inscriptions and manuscripts from the region now known as modern-day Wales.

Rhowan is believed to be derived from the Proto-Celtic root word "rho," which means "to run" or "to flow." This connection suggests that the name may have initially been associated with rivers, streams, or the concept of movement and fluidity. Variations of the spelling, such as "Rhowen" and "Rhovan," can be found in historical records from different Celtic regions.

In the 7th century CE, the name Rhowan appeared in the Cumbric language, a Brittonic Celtic language spoken in what is now northern England and southern Scotland. One notable figure bearing this name was Rhowan ap Idwallon, a prince of the ancient Kingdom of Rheged, who lived during the late 6th and early 7th centuries.

Throughout the Middle Ages, the name Rhowan remained in use among Celtic communities, particularly in Wales and Cornwall. It was during this period that the name gained association with the rowan tree, a species of mountain ash revered in Celtic folklore for its supposed protective properties against evil spirits.

In the 12th century, a Welsh bard named Rhowan ap Gruffydd is recorded as having composed several poems and songs, some of which are still preserved in medieval manuscripts. Another notable bearer of the name was Rhowan ap Hywel, a 14th-century Welsh landowner and military commander who fought alongside Owain Glyndŵr during the Welsh Revolt against English rule.

The name Rhowan also found its way into Irish and Scottish Gaelic traditions, where it was sometimes anglicized as "Rowan" or "Roan." In the 16th century, a Scottish chieftain named Rhowan MacGregor is mentioned in historical accounts for his involvement in clan disputes and conflicts with the Crown.

While the name Rhowan has enjoyed enduring popularity within Celtic cultures, it has also been adopted by various other communities around the world, often with slight variations in spelling or pronunciation. However, its rich historical roots and connections to ancient Celtic traditions remain a significant part of its fascinating heritage.

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

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