Declining since 2007, #9,714 for boys today.
Popularity of Owain since 1998
Babies named Owain per year in U.S. Social Security records.
Data table (by decade)
| Decade | Boys |
|---|---|
| 1990s | 14 |
| 2000s | 59 |
| 2010s | 66 |
| 2020s | 12 |
Meaning & origin
Owain is a classic Welsh name with deep roots in medieval legend and history. Despite its long heritage, it remains rare in the United States; in 2025 it ranked 9,714th, with only about 1 in 244,011 boys receiving the name. Its popularity peaked in 2008, but has since declined, reflecting a broader trend away from traditional names in favor of more modern choices. Most bearers are concentrated in Wales or among families with Welsh heritage.
Owain is a traditional Welsh name, derived from the Latin name Eugenius, meaning 'well-born' or 'noble'. It is the Welsh form of Owen, and has been used in Wales since medieval times. The name appears in Welsh legend as Owain ap Urien, a knight of King Arthur's court.
Nicknames & variants
Nicknames: Owey
Sibling names for Owain
Names that share Owain's style, for a brother or sister.
Sisters: Gwen, Rhiannon, Branwen, Angharad, Megan, Bronwen, Gaynor, Glennys, Glynis, Glynnis, Gwenith, Gwenn, Gwenna, Gwynneth, Menna, Rhian, Rhiannan, Rhianon, Sian
Brothers: Dylan, Rhys, Iwan, Llewellyn, Gareth, Bevan, Brenin, Caron, Garan, Glyn, Ivor, Llewelyn, Lloyd, Macsen, Madoc, Parry, Rhydian, Urian, Wyn
