Rowan is a unisex given name of Irish origin. It comes from the Irish surname Ó Ronáin, which was derived from the Irish word "róidhean" meaning "little red-haired one". The name has been used as a given name in Ireland since at least the 17th century.
The meaning of Rowan is not universally agreed upon, but some sources suggest that it may mean "red-haired" or "little red-haired one", while others propose that it means "from the rowan tree". In Irish mythology, the rowan tree was considered sacred and was associated with the god of wisdom and poetry, Lugh.
Throughout history, Rowan has been used as a given name for both boys and girls in Ireland. It gained popularity in England during the Victorian era and has since been used worldwide. Today, it is still most commonly used as a boy's name but can also be found as a girl's name.
In terms of famous people named Rowan, some notable examples include British actor Rowan Atkinson, best known for his role as Mr. Bean, and American journalist and author Rowan Farrow. However, these individuals are not representative of the personality or character traits associated with the name Rowan, as names do not determine the characteristics of those who bear them.
In conclusion, Rowan is a unisex given name of Irish origin that means "red-haired" or "little red-haired one". It has been used as a given name in Ireland since at least the 17th century and has gained popularity worldwide. While it is most commonly associated with boys today, it can also be found as a girl's name. Its meaning and history are not tied to any particular personality traits or characteristics.
The name Rowan has seen a significant increase in popularity since the late 1980s, with a marked spike occurring between 2015 and 2023. The highest number of births recorded in any given year was in 2023, with 1285 babies named Rowan.