Declining since 2005, #12,008 for boys today.
Popularity of Cowan since 1968
Babies named Cowan per year in U.S. Social Security records.
Data table (by decade)
| Decade | Boys |
|---|---|
| 1960s | 6 |
| 1970s | 0 |
| 1980s | 0 |
| 1990s | 20 |
| 2000s | 76 |
| 2010s | 61 |
| 2020s | 17 |
Meaning & origin
Cowan is a rare Irish-origin surname used as a first name, first recorded in the U.S. in 1968. It peaked in popularity in 2005, but since then its usage has been falling. Currently, only about 1 in 341,615 newborns receive the name, placing it at rank 12,008 in 2025. The name is strongly masculine and has no association with any specific U.S. state. Its declining trajectory since the mid-2000s suggests it may remain an uncommon choice, appealing to those seeking a distinctively Irish heritage name without widespread use.
Cowan originated as an Irish surname, an Anglicized form of the Gaelic Ó Cadhain, meaning 'descendant of Cadhan', where Cadhan is a personal name possibly derived from 'cad' (battle) or 'cadh' (holy). Alternatively, it may come from Mac Comhghain, meaning 'son of Comhghan', with 'comhghan' signifying 'twin'. The name was brought to Scotland and England through Irish migration, and in modern times it has been used as a given name, especially in the United States, where it first appeared on the Social Security list in 1968.
Nicknames & variants
Nicknames: Co, C.J.
Variants: Cowan
Sibling names for Cowan
Names that share Cowan's style, for a brother or sister.
