Find out how popular the first name Roanin has been for the last 20 years (from 2004 to 2023) and learn more about the meaning and history.

Popularity of Roanin by gender

Based on the last 20 years of data, Roanin is exclusively a male name.

For the most recent data in 2023, there were 10 male babies and 0 female babies born with the name Roanin.

The history of the first name Roanin

The name Roanin has its origins in ancient Celtic culture, with roots tracing back to the early medieval period. It is derived from the Gaelic word "roan," which means "seal" or "sea lion." This suggests that the name may have been associated with coastal communities or those with a strong maritime tradition.

One of the earliest recorded instances of the name Roanin appears in the Annals of Ulster, a chronicle of medieval Irish history. The entry, dated around the year 1028, mentions a man named Roanin mac Flaithri, who was a chieftain of the Uí Fhloinn kindred in what is now County Antrim, Northern Ireland.

In the 12th century, a Roanin Ua Maoilchonaire is mentioned in the Annals of the Four Masters, another important source for early Irish history. He is described as a distinguished scholar and poet who died in the year 1186.

During the Norse-Gaelic era, when parts of Ireland and Scotland were under Viking influence, a chieftain named Roanin mac Torcaill is recorded as leading a contingent of warriors from the Hebrides Islands in a battle against the Kingdom of the Isles in 1263.

In the 15th century, a Roanin O'Donnell is noted as being a prominent member of the O'Donnell clan, one of the most powerful and influential families in the Province of Ulster during the late medieval period.

Another notable figure bearing the name Roanin was a 16th-century Irish poet and bard from County Mayo, known as Roanin Óg Ó Maoilchonaire. His works, which celebrated the exploits of local chieftains and praised the beauty of the Irish landscape, were widely renowned and helped preserve the bardic tradition.

While the name Roanin has ancient roots, it has become relatively rare in modern times, perhaps due to its unique and somewhat archaic spelling. However, its connection to Ireland's rich cultural heritage and the romantic imagery associated with seals and the sea make it a distinctive and meaningful choice for those interested in reviving traditional Celtic names.

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

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

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