"well-born, noble"
Origin: Latin via Welsh
Language: English
Owen
Pronunciation: [ OH-uhn ]
Does Owen flow with your last name?
A Welsh warrior name boldly crossing gender lines
Welsh
English
American
Strong
Modern
Bold
Gender Neutral
Reviewed by the NamingEverything Editorial Team · Updated
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Meaning & Origin
"young warrior"
Origin: Celtic
Language: Welsh
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Things to Know About This Name
- Predominantly perceived as a male name; may cause confusion in some cultural contexts
The Story of Owen
Owen derives from the Welsh name Owain, thought to be a Celtic adaptation of the Latin Eugenius, meaning 'well-born' or 'noble.' It has also been linked to the Celtic word for 'young warrior.' Owain was the name of legendary heroes and kings in Welsh mythology, including Owain mab Urien, a knight of King Arthur's court celebrated in the Mabinogion. The name passed from Wales into England and eventually the broader English-speaking world.
Owen has ranked as a top-20 boys' name in the US since the early 2010s. Its use for girls reflects the accelerating 2010s–2020s trend of traditionally male names crossing to girls — a pattern seen with Ryan, Charlie, and Avery — appealing to parents who want a strong, surname-like feel.
In Welsh culture, Owain Glyndŵr (Owen Glendower, c. 1359–1416) was the last native Welshman to hold the title Prince of Wales, leading a major uprising against English rule. The name remains a symbol of Welsh national identity.
Historical Record
Owen first appeared in US Social Security records in 1950.
Over 581 babies have been named Owen in the United States since SSA records began.
Today, Owen is a hidden gem — rare but distinctive , currently ranked #5,929 for girl names in the US .
Fun Facts
- Owain Glyndŵr led the last major Welsh rebellion against English rule in the early 15th century
- Owen has been in the US top 25 boys' names consistently since 2012
- Owen Wilson and Clive Owen are among its prominent modern bearers
Owen in Other Languages
Irish
Eoghan
Latin
Eugenius
Welsh
Owain
French
Owen
Scottish Gaelic
Eòghann
Popularity Over Time
#5,929
Current Rank
Rising
Trend
Hidden Gem
Based on SSA data 1880–present
Year-by-year popularity data will be available soon.
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Compare Owen with:
Quick Facts
- Gender
- Girl
- Syllables
- 2
- Popularity Rank
- #5,929
- Total SSA Count
- 21
- Cultural Origins
- Welsh English American
- Pronunciation
- Easy
- Formality
- Moderate
- Cross-Cultural Ease
- Moderate
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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Classic pairing, 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 2-1 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
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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 Boy Name
Owen is also used as a boy name, ranked #26.
View Owen as a boy name →Similar Names
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Same Origin Names (Welsh)
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Latin/Old English origin
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Kahani
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Sanskrit origin
"story, tale, narrative"
#6,006 in US
Kaylor
Girl
Modern English origin
"crowned with laurels"
#5,795 in US
Bentlee
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Old English origin
"clearing in the bent grass meadow"
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Latin origin
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Frequently Asked Questions About Owen
What does the name Owen mean?
"well-born, noble" (from Latin via Welsh). "young warrior" (from Celtic). Owen derives from the Welsh name Owain, thought to be a Celtic adaptation of the Latin Eugenius, meaning 'well-born' or 'noble.' It has also been linked to the Celtic word for 'young warrior.' Owain was the name of legendary heroes and kings in Welsh mythology, including Owain mab Urien, a knight of King Arthur's court celebrated in the Mabinogion. The name passed from Wales into England and eventually the broader English-speaking world.
What is the origin of the name Owen?
Owen has Latin via Welsh, Celtic, Welsh, English, and American origins. In Latin via Welsh, it means "well-born, noble". In Celtic, it means "young warrior".
Is Owen a boy or girl name?
Owen is used as both a girl and boy name. As a girl name, it is ranked #5929. As a boy name, it is ranked #26. 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 #5929 in popularity for girl names in the United States.
What are good middle names for Owen?
Popular middle name pairings include Owen Claire, Owen Mae, Owen Rose, Owen Grace, Owen Elise, and Owen Jane.
What are good sibling names for Owen?
Names that pair well with Owen as siblings include Quinn, Piper, Rowan, Finn, Declan, and Harper.
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 an uncommon name, ranked #5929 in the US. Its rarity gives it a distinctive, memorable quality.
About the Name Owen
Owen is a girl name with Welsh, English, and American origins . The name means "well-born, noble" in Latin via Welsh .
Is Owen a boy or girl name? Owen is used as both a girl and boy name. As a girl name, it ranks #5,929 in popularity. As a boy name, it ranks #26. Owen is more commonly used as a boy name.
Owen is currently ranked #5,929 in popularity for girl 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