Owen

What does the baby name Owen mean? Learn about what Owen means, its history & origin, popularity in our random name database, pronunciation, similar names, nicknames & spelling variations.

Owen - Name Meaning, Origin & Popularity

Spelling of Owen: O-W-E-N, is a 4-letter male given name.
Pronunciation of Owen: O-ən; OH wen
Meaning of Owen: Well born, desire born, of noble descent, born to nobility.
Origin of Owen: The name 'Owen' has roots in both Welsh and Irish Gaelic. In Welsh, it is derived from the name Owain, which means 'young warrior' or 'well-born'. In Irish Gaelic, it is a variation of the name Eoghan, which means 'born of the yew tree'. The earliest known use of the name 'Owen' can be traced back to medieval Wales and Ireland, where it was commonly used among the nobility and warriors.; American Names; Celtic Names; Classic Names; Gaelic Names; Greek Names; Irish Names; Welsh Names
Similar Names, Nicknames, & Spelling Variations of Owen: Anno; Eadan; Eadin; Ean; Eion; Eoghan; Eoin; Euan; Euen; Evan; Evans; Evin; Ewan; Ewen; Gian; Giannes; Gianni; Giannini; Giovanni; Hanan; Handel; Hannes; Hanno; Hannus; Hans; Hanschen; Hansel; Hansli; Hanz; Iain; Ian; Ioannes; Ivan; Ivann; Iwan; Jack; Jackie; Jan; Janek; Jankiel; Janko; Janne; Janos; Jansci; Jawaun; Jawon; Jean; Jeannot; Jehan; Jens; Joao; Jock; Johan; Johann; Johannes; John; Johnnie; Johnny; Jon; Jona; Jontai; Jovan; Juan; Juanito; Juwan; Owain; Owaine; Owan; Owin; Seamus; Sean; Seann; Shane; Shaughn; Shaun; Shawn; Vanek; Vanko; Vanya; Yanni; Yanno; Yvain; Ywain; Ywaine; Zane
Popularity of Owen: Over the centuries, the popularity of the name 'Owen' has fluctuated. In medieval times, it was a popular choice among Welsh and Irish families of noble descent. However, its usage declined during the English colonization of Wales and Ireland. In recent years, the name has experienced a resurgence in popularity, particularly in English-speaking countries. In the United States, 'Owen' ranked as the 25th most popular name for boys in 2020, according to the Social Security Administration.; Owen currently has 682 likes, and is in the top 1% of liked boy's names. The name Charlie is slightly more popular than Owen.

Etymology of Owen

The etymology of the name 'Owen' is rooted in the ancient languages of Welsh and Irish Gaelic. In Welsh, 'owain' is derived from the words 'o' meaning 'of' and 'gwyn' meaning 'white' or 'pure'. This suggests that the name 'Owen' may have originally referred to someone of noble or pure lineage. In Irish Gaelic, 'eoghan' is derived from the word 'iu' meaning 'yew tree', which holds symbolic significance in Celtic mythology as a symbol of longevity and wisdom.

Cultural Significance of Owen

The name 'Owen' holds significant cultural importance in both Welsh and Irish traditions. In Welsh folklore, Owain ap Urien was a legendary hero and knight of King Arthur's Round Table. He was known for his bravery, loyalty, and honor. In Irish mythology, Eoghan was the son of Niall of the Nine Hostages, a legendary High King of Ireland. Eoghan was revered as a wise and just ruler, and his descendants became powerful leaders in ancient Ireland.