Rising since 1988, #486 for boys today.
Popularity of Rowen since 1944
Babies named Rowen per year in U.S. Social Security records.
Data table (by decade)
| Decade | Girls | Boys |
|---|---|---|
| 1940s | 0 | 5 |
| 1950s | 0 | 0 |
| 1960s | 0 | 0 |
| 1970s | 0 | 0 |
| 1980s | 0 | 0 |
| 1990s | 62 | 63 |
| 2000s | 312 | 838 |
| 2010s | 1,278 | 3,687 |
| 2020s | 995 | 3,576 |
Meaning & origin
Rowen is a modern spelling variant of the traditional name Rowan, which has Scottish and English roots. In 2025, it ranked 486th in U.S. popularity, with 1 in 2,768 newborns given the name. Its trajectory has been steadily rising since 1988, reaching a peak year in 2024. The name is most popular in states like West Virginia, Idaho, and Louisiana, reflecting a preference for rugged, nature-inspired names. As a unisex option, Rowen appeals to parents seeking a balance of tradition and contemporary style.
Rowen is a variant spelling of Rowan, which has two possible origins. As a Scottish surname, it derives from the Gaelic word 'ruadh' meaning 'red', originally a nickname for someone with red hair, later transferred to a given name. Alternatively, it may be taken from the rowan tree, a symbol of protection in Celtic folklore. The spelling Rowen has been used alongside Rowan since the mid-20th century.
Where Rowen is most popular
Births per 100,000 boys by state. Press play or drag the slider to watch it move across the decades. The lightest shade means too few recorded births.
“Rowen” around the world
Where Rowen lands in the latest official birth statistics abroad, matched to the U.S. spelling.
France
5
babies in 2024
Ireland
5
babies in 2025
Sources: INSEE (France) · CSO Ireland (Ireland).
Nicknames & variants
Nicknames: Ro, Row
Sibling names for Rowen
Names that share Rowen's style, for a brother or sister.
