Owen is of Welsh origin, derived from the ancient Celtic word "owen" meaning "young warrior" or "noble born". It gained prominence during the Middle Ages and was popularized by Owain Glyndŵr, a Welsh prince who led a rebellion against English rule in the early 15th century. The name Owen has been widely used throughout history and has appeared in various forms of literature, including Shakespeare's "Henry IV" where it is borne by one of the characters. Today, Owen remains a popular choice for parents seeking a strong, yet approachable name for their sons. It is often associated with strength, leadership, and Welsh heritage. Some notable figures who have carried this name include former U.S. President Barack Obama's half-brother, Owen Obama, and renowned British explorer Captain Robert Falcon Scott's dog, also named Owen.
The name Owen has seen significant fluctuations in popularity over the past century, with periods of relative obscurity followed by periods of notable favor. Between 1915 and 1938, there were only sporadic instances of more than five births per year. However, from 1970 onwards, there was a steady increase in the name's popularity, with more than six births occurring annually on average.
The most dramatic rise occurred between 2004 and 2008, where there were at least 25 births each year, peaking at 39 births in 2021. This surge represents a significant shift towards the name Owen in recent years. Overall, from 1915 to 2023, there have been a total of 622 babies named Owen.