Find out how popular the first name Rowley has been for the last 17 years (from 2008 to 2024) and learn more about the meaning and history.

Popularity of Rowley by gender

Based on the last 17 years of data, Rowley is exclusively a male name.

For the most recent data in 2024, there were 10 male babies and 0 female babies born with the name Rowley.

The history of the first name Rowley

The given name Rowley has its origins in English language and culture, dating back to the medieval period. It is believed to be derived from the Old English words "row" meaning a row of houses or a street, and "leah" meaning a meadow or clearing. Therefore, Rowley likely referred to someone who lived in a row of houses or a street near a meadow or clearing.

One of the earliest recorded instances of the name Rowley can be found in the Domesday Book of 1086, a comprehensive record of landowners and their holdings in England and Wales commissioned by William the Conqueror. The name appears as a placename, suggesting it was already in use as a surname or locational name at that time.

In the 13th century, the name Rowley is mentioned in the Pipe Rolls of Yorkshire, which were administrative records of the county. This indicates that the name was in use as a personal name during this period.

One of the earliest known individuals with the given name Rowley was Rowley Cooke (c. 1515 – 1564), an English politician and Member of Parliament during the reign of Queen Elizabeth I.

Another notable figure with the name Rowley was Sir Rowley Lacon (1608 – 1676), an English soldier and politician who fought in the English Civil War and served as a Member of Parliament for Shropshire.

In the 18th century, Rowley Lascelles (1711 – 1802) was a British Army officer and Member of Parliament who served as the Director-General of the Ordnance.

A famous literary figure with the given name Rowley was Rowley Ridgway (1795 – 1864), an English writer and poet who published several works, including "The Modern Art of Fencing" and "Tales of the Genii."

In the 20th century, Rowley Leigh (1940 – 2022) was a renowned English writer and chef, known for his contributions to the culinary arts and his cookbooks such as "No Prawn Bride: Conundrums of a Culinary Kamikaze."

These examples illustrate the long-standing presence of the given name Rowley in English history and culture, spanning various fields and professions over several centuries.

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

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

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