Rising since 1995, #1,467 for girls today.
Popularity of Eowyn since 1973
Babies named Eowyn per year in U.S. Social Security records.
Data table (by decade)
| Decade | Girls |
|---|---|
| 1970s | 34 |
| 1980s | 24 |
| 1990s | 21 |
| 2000s | 404 |
| 2010s | 742 |
| 2020s | 657 |
Meaning & origin
Eowyn first appeared on U.S. birth records in 1973, nearly two decades after the publication of 'The Lord of the Rings.' Its popularity has grown steadily, particularly since 1995, reflecting sustained interest in Tolkien's works. In 2025, it reached its peak rank of 1,467, with approximately 1 in 11,009 newborn girls receiving the name. The name saw rising use from 1995 onward, with top states including Utah, Michigan, and Tennessee. Eowyn remains a distinctive choice closely tied to the character, a shieldmaiden of Rohan. While its origin is purely literary, its Old English-inspired construction gives it an authentic medieval feel that appeals to fans of fantasy and classic naming traditions.
Eowyn is a name invented by J.R.R. Tolkien for a character in his epic fantasy novel 'The Lord of the Rings,' first published in 1954. Tolkien, a philologist, likely drew on Old English elements: eoh meaning 'horse' and wynn meaning 'joy' or 'delight,' fitting the character's association with the Rohirrim, the horse-lords of Rohan. The name entered limited real-world use following the book's popularity, gradually increasing in usage over the decades.
Where Eowyn is most popular
Births per 100,000 girls by state, 2025. The lightest shade means too few recorded births.
“Eowyn” around the world
Where Eowyn lands in the latest official birth statistics abroad, matched to the U.S. spelling.
France
5
babies in 2024
Sources: INSEE (France).
Sibling names for Eowyn
Names that share Eowyn's style, for a brother or sister.
