"young warrior"
Origin: Welsh
Language: Welsh
Owen
Pronunciation: [ OH-uhn ]
Does Owen flow with your last name?
A strong Celtic warrior name rooted in legend
Welsh
Irish
English
Scottish
Strong
Classic
Earthy
Traditional
Bold
Reviewed by the NamingEverything Editorial Team · Updated
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Meaning & Origin
"well-born"
Origin: Latin Eugenius
Language: Latin
"young warrior"
Origin: Celtic
Language: Welsh
"well-born"
Origin: Latin
Language: Latin
Browse names with similar meanings:
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The Story of Owen
Owen is the anglicized form of the Welsh name Owain, derived from the Latin Eugenius meaning 'well-born' or possibly from the Celtic 'eoghan' meaning 'young warrior.' The name has deep roots in Welsh mythology — Owain was a legendary knight of the Round Table in Arthurian legend, making this name both ancient and heroic.
Owen has been a steady top-50 name in the United States since the early 2000s, appealing to parents who want a Celtic heritage name that doesn't feel heavy or old-fashioned. Actor Owen Wilson helped maintain the name's cool, approachable image.
In Wales, Owen/Owain is a name of historical importance, borne by Owain Glyndwr, the last native Prince of Wales who led a major uprising against English rule in the early 15th century. The name represents Welsh national pride and resilience.
Historical Record
Owen first appeared in US Social Security records in 1950.
Over 218,161 babies have been named Owen in the United States since SSA records began.
Today, Owen is a steady classic , currently ranked #26 for boy names in the US .
Fun Facts
- Owain was a knight of the Round Table in Welsh Arthurian legend
- Owain Glyndwr's rebellion (1400-1415) is one of Wales's most celebrated chapters of national resistance
Owen in Other Languages
Irish
Eoghan
Latin
Eugenius
Welsh
Owain
Spanish
Owen
Scottish
Eoghann
Popularity Over Time
#26
Current Rank
Stable
Trend
Steady Classic
Based on SSA data 1880–present
Year-by-year popularity data will be available soon.
Famous People Named Owen
O
Owen Farrell
Athlete
1991
English rugby union player and former captain of the England national team
M
Michael Owen
Athlete
1979
English footballer and Premier League striker
O
Owen Wilson
Actor
1968
American actor and comedian known for Wedding Crashers and Zoolander
O
Owen Hart
Athlete
1965
Canadian professional wrestler and WWE star
O
Owain (Arthurian) Fictional
Other
Knight of the Round Table in Arthurian and Welsh mythology
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Compare Owen with:
Quick Facts
- Gender
- Boy
- Syllables
- 2
- Popularity Rank
- #26
- Total SSA Count
- 7,574
- Cultural Origins
- Welsh Irish English Scottish
- Pronunciation
- Easy
- Formality
- Moderate
- Cross-Cultural Ease
- High
Popular in These States
Top states by rank · 2024
Middle Name Ideas
Suggested pairings based on syllable flow and style
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Timeless choice, smooth 2-2 syllable flow
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Timeless choice, smooth 2-2 syllable flow
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Timeless choice, smooth 2-2 syllable flow
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Timeless choice, English heritage match, extended 2-3 combo
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Timeless choice, smooth 2-2 syllable flow
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Timeless choice, English heritage match, extended 2-3 combo
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Timeless choice, English heritage match, extended 2-3 combo
-
Timeless choice, English heritage match, extended 2-3 combo
-
Timeless choice, smooth 2-2 syllable flow
-
Timeless choice, smooth 2-2 syllable flow
Middle Names
Middle Names for Owen
6 name pairings with syllable flow tips
Sibling Names
Sibling Match
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Also a Girl Name
Owen is also used as a girl name, ranked #5929.
View Owen as a girl name →Similar Names
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Same Origin Names (Welsh)
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Frequently Asked Questions About Owen
What does the name Owen mean?
"young warrior" (from Welsh). "well-born" (from Latin Eugenius). "young warrior" (from Celtic). "well-born" (from Latin). Owen is the anglicized form of the Welsh name Owain, derived from the Latin Eugenius meaning 'well-born' or possibly from the Celtic 'eoghan' meaning 'young warrior.' The name has deep roots in Welsh mythology — Owain was a legendary knight of the Round Table in Arthurian legend, making this name both ancient and heroic.
What is the origin of the name Owen?
Owen has Welsh, Latin Eugenius, Celtic, Latin, Irish, English, and Scottish origins. In Welsh, it means "young warrior". In Latin Eugenius, it means "well-born". In Celtic, it means "young warrior". In Latin, it means "well-born".
Is Owen a boy or girl name?
Owen is used as both a boy and girl name. As a boy name, it is ranked #26. As a girl name, it is ranked #5929. Owen is more commonly used as a boy name.
How do you pronounce Owen?
Owen is pronounced OH-uhn.
How popular is the name Owen?
Owen is currently ranked #26 in popularity for boy names in the United States.
What are good middle names for Owen?
Popular middle name pairings include Owen James, Owen Thomas, Owen Patrick, Owen Lee, Owen Alexander, and Owen Michael.
What are good sibling names for Owen?
Names that pair well with Owen as siblings include Liam, Nora, Declan, Fiona, Caleb, and Clara.
How many syllables does Owen have?
Owen has 2 syllables, making it easy to say and remember.
Is Owen a common or rare name?
Owen is a very popular name, ranked #26 among boy names in the United States.
About the Name Owen
Owen is a boy name with Welsh, Irish, English, and Scottish origins . The name means "young warrior" in Welsh .
Is Owen a boy or girl name? Owen is used as both a boy and girl name. As a boy name, it ranks #26 in popularity. As a girl name, it ranks #5,929. Owen is more commonly used as a boy name.
Owen is currently ranked #26 in popularity for boy names in the United States.
The name Owen has 2 syllables and is pronounced OH-uhn, making it easy to pronounce and remember.
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Sources
- U.S. Social Security Administration — National Baby Names Data (popularity rankings and historical trends)
- Behind the Name (etymology and meaning research)
- NamingEverything editorial research and analysis