Find out how popular the first name Roan has been for the last 50 years (from 1974 to 2023) and learn more about the meaning and history.

Popularity of Roan by gender

Based on the last 50 years of data, Roan is more commonly used as a male name, with approximately 91% of people named Roan being male.

For the most recent data in 2023, there were 116 male babies and 9 female babies born with the name Roan.

Yes—according to the SSA data, 9 baby girls were named Roan in 2023, despite it being a predominantly male name. We'd love to know why!

The history of the first name Roan

The name Roan has its origins in the Middle English language, derived from the Old English word "ro" or "roa," meaning "reddish-brown" or "roan-colored." The name is closely associated with the reddish-brown color of certain horse coats and has been used as a descriptive term in various contexts throughout history.

In the 14th century, the name Roan was recorded as a surname in England, particularly in areas such as Yorkshire and Lincolnshire. It was likely used as a descriptive name for individuals with reddish-brown hair or complexion. Over time, the surname evolved into a given name, although it remained relatively uncommon.

One of the earliest recorded instances of the name Roan as a given name dates back to the 16th century, when a man named Roan Buckhurst was mentioned in court records from Sussex, England, in 1592. In the 17th century, the name gained some popularity among English Puritans, who favored names with symbolic meanings or biblical associations.

Throughout history, several notable individuals have borne the name Roan. One of the earliest was Roan Stafford (1572-1629), an English courtier and Member of Parliament during the reign of King James I. Another was Roan Inish (1640-1718), an Irish poet and playwright who wrote works in both English and Irish Gaelic.

In the 19th century, Roan became more widely used as a given name, particularly in the United States. One prominent figure was Roan Barbour (1811-1892), a Kentucky lawyer and politician who served as a U.S. Congressman and later as a judge on the Kentucky Court of Appeals.

Another notable bearer of the name was Roan Massie (1837-1913), a Confederate soldier during the American Civil War who later became a respected lawyer and judge in Texas. Roan Ricketts (1865-1952), an American author and journalist, also gained recognition for his works depicting life in the American West.

In more recent times, Roan has remained a relatively uncommon name, but it has been used by various individuals, including Roan Carriger (1892-1976), an American football player and coach, and Roan Inish (born 1978), an Irish singer-songwriter known for her fusion of traditional Irish music and contemporary styles.

While the name Roan may not be as widely recognized as some other names, its unique origin and connection to the natural world have given it a distinct character throughout its history. Its association with the reddish-brown hue has lent it an earthy and evocative quality, making it a memorable and intriguing choice for those seeking a name with a rich historical and cultural background.

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

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

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