Rowena is a feminine given name of English origin, derived from the Old English words "roe" meaning "fame" and "wynn" meaning "joy" or "delight." It was a popular name among the Anglo-Saxons and has been in use since the 7th century.

The name first appeared in the epic poem Beowulf, written between the 8th and 11th centuries. In the poem, Rowena is mentioned as the daughter of the Danish king Hrothgar. This early literary reference suggests that the name was already in use among the Germanic tribes of that era.

One of the earliest recorded bearers of the name was Rowena, the daughter of the British chieftain Hengist. According to legend, she was married to Vortigern, the king of the Britons, in the 5th century as part of a peace treaty between the Britons and the Saxons.

In the 12th century, the name gained popularity due to its association with the mythical figure of Rowena, who was portrayed as the beautiful daughter of a Saxon leader in the French romance Hous of Fame by Geoffrey Chaucer.

Throughout history, several notable women have borne the name Rowena. One of the most famous was Rowena Granice (1862-1938), an American opera singer and voice teacher who performed at the Metropolitan Opera in New York. Another was Rowena Reed Kostellow (1916-1988), an American psychologist and author who wrote extensively on the psychology of creativity and problem-solving.

Other notable Rowenas include Rowena Cade (1892-1983), the founder of the Minack Theatre in Cornwall, England; Rowena Romilly (1286-1324), an English noblewoman and the daughter of William de Romilly; and Rowena Ricketts (1909-1992), an English actress and soprano who performed in several Gilbert and Sullivan operas.

Rowena has remained a relatively uncommon name throughout its history, but its enduring appeal lies in its melodic sound and its romantic associations with ancient legends and literature.