Eowyn is a female name of Anglo-Saxon origin that has gained popularity in recent years due to its appearance in J.R.R. Tolkien's "The Lord of the Rings" trilogy. However, the name Eowyn predates Tolkien's works and has a rich history rooted in Old English.
The name Eowyn is composed of two elements: "Eo" which means "horse" or " richesse", and "wynn" which means "joy". Therefore, the literal meaning of Eowyn is "riches rejoicing" or "horse rejoicing". This suggests a name that embodies wealth, happiness, and perhaps even a connection to horses.
The earliest known use of the name Eowyn can be traced back to the Anglo-Saxon period. In Old English, the name was spelled as "Eowerwynn" or "Eowen". It is believed to have been used by nobility in this era, which further emphasizes its connection to wealth and joy.
In Tolkien's "The Lord of the Rings", Eowyn is a character who plays an important role in the story. She is a shieldmaiden from Rohan who eventually becomes queen after marrying Faramir, the Prince of Ithilien. Her name is a reference to this Anglo-Saxon heritage, as Tolkien was known for his love and knowledge of Old English literature.
Despite its ancient origins, Eowyn remains a unique and distinctive name today. While it may not be as popular as some other names with Anglo-Saxon roots, such as Emma or Alice, Eowyn continues to be chosen by parents who appreciate its historical significance and beautiful meaning.
The name Eowyn has seen a significant increase in popularity over the past few decades in the United States. In the early years recorded, from 1973 to 1983, the number of births with the name Eowyn remained relatively low, with no more than 9 births per year.
However, beginning in 2001, there was a notable increase in the popularity of the name. That year saw 12 births, which was more than double the number of births from any previous year on record. This trend continued to rise steadily over the next few years, reaching a peak of 169 births in 2023.
Over the past decade alone, from 2013 to 2023, the name Eowyn has seen an impressive growth in popularity, with the number of births increasing by more than fivefold. This steady increase can be attributed to various factors, such as changing trends in naming, influences from popular culture, and perhaps even a growing appreciation for unique and distinctive names.
In total, between 1973 and 2023, there were 1625 births of girls named Eowyn in the United States. This represents a significant increase in popularity over time, with the most recent years showing a particularly high number of babies being given this unique name. It will be interesting to see if this trend continues in the coming years and whether or not the name Eowyn maintains its status as one of the more popular choices for baby girls in the United States.