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

Popularity of Rowan by gender

Based on the last 50 years of data, Rowan is more commonly used as a male name, with approximately 67% of people named Rowan being male.

For the most recent data in 2023, there were 4,195 male babies and 1,285 female babies born with the name Rowan.

The history of the first name Rowan

The name Rowan has its roots in the Old English language, deriving from the word "rawan," which referred to the rowan tree, also known as the mountain ash. This tree held significant importance in ancient Celtic and Germanic cultures, often associated with protection and magical properties.

In the Middle Ages, the name Rowan was primarily used as a surname, indicating a connection to the rowan tree or a place where it grew abundantly. It was during this period that the name began to transition into use as a given name, particularly in Scotland and Ireland.

One of the earliest recorded instances of Rowan as a first name dates back to the 16th century in Scotland. A notable bearer of the name was Rowan Och Dhu, a Scottish outlaw and cattle rustler from the late 16th century, who gained notoriety for his exploits in the Scottish Highlands.

In the 17th century, the name Rowan gained popularity among Puritan families in England and the American colonies. Puritans often chose names with naturalistic or biblical connotations, and the association of Rowan with the rowan tree likely appealed to their sensibilities.

Rowan Benjamin, born in 1757, was a prominent figure in the American Revolutionary War, serving as a colonel in the Continental Army. His bravery and leadership during the Battle of Monmouth earned him recognition and admiration from his contemporaries.

In the 19th century, Rowan Atkinson, born in 1955, became a renowned British actor and comedian, best known for his portrayal of the iconic character Mr. Bean. His comedic talent and physical humor have earned him a global following and numerous accolades.

Another notable bearer of the name was Rowan Williams, born in 1950, who served as the 104th Archbishop of Canterbury and the spiritual leader of the Anglican Communion from 2002 to 2012. He was highly respected for his intellectual prowess and his efforts to promote interfaith dialogue and understanding.

In more recent times, Rowan Blanchard, born in 2001, has gained recognition as an American actress and activist. She is known for her roles in television shows like "Girl Meets World" and for her advocacy work on various social and environmental issues.

Throughout history, the name Rowan has carried a sense of natural beauty and strength, reflecting its origins in the rowan tree. Its popularity has ebbed and flowed across different regions and cultures, but it has consistently held a place in various naming traditions, appealing to those seeking a name with a rich historical and naturalistic 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 Rowan was researched and written by our team of onomatology and genealogy experts.

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

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