The nameOwen
Owen is a boy's name of Welsh origin, often read as "well born" or "noble". A classic in Wales for centuries, it has become popular across the English-speaking world.
- Boy's name
- Welsh
Meaning
Owen is the English form of the Welsh Owain, generally linked to the Latin Eugenius, "well born, noble". A Celtic root meaning "youth" has also been suggested, so its origin is discussed.
Origin
Welsh. Owain Glyndŵr, who led a Welsh revolt against English rule around 1400, is the most famous bearer of the name.
History
Owen was long a typically Welsh name. It spread to the rest of Britain and to North America in the late 20th century and has been in the American top 30 for most of the 2010s and 2020s.
Did you know?
- Owen Farrell is England's record points scorer in rugby union.
Famous people named Owen
- Owain Glyndŵr, Welsh leader
- Owen Wilson, actor
- Owen Farrell, rugby player
- Wilfred Owen, poet (surname)
Popularity of the name Owen
Owen in the United States
Owen was most popular in the United States in the 2010s, with 91,302 births over the decade, 38% of all recorded babies named Owen. Its rise began around 1997, and it peaked in 2016. Half of all babies named Owen in the United States were born before 2011, so it is mostly a name of today's children and teenagers. Over the last five years on record, its popularity has held steady at around 8,349 births a year.
Owen in the United Kingdom
Owen was most popular in the United Kingdom in the 2000s, with 21,279 births over the decade, 57% of all recorded babies named Owen. Half of all babies named Owen in the United Kingdom were born before 2005, so it is mostly a name of today's children and teenagers. Over the last five years on record, it has been falling: 425 births a year on average, against 589 in the five years before.
Owen in Ireland
Owen in France
Owen in Belgium
Owen in Switzerland
Sibling names for Owen
Names from the same generation as Owen, whose popularity in the United States has followed a similar path.
How many people are named Owen? See the counter → · What would your name be in 1950? · Name origin quiz
Compare Owen with another name
Meaning, origin and popularity of Owen side by side with the name of your choice.
Owen in our baby name lists
Frequently asked questions
What does the name Owen mean?
Owen is the English form of the Welsh Owain, generally linked to the Latin Eugenius, "well born, noble". A Celtic root meaning "youth" has also been suggested, so its origin is discussed.
What is the origin of the name Owen?
Welsh. Owain Glyndŵr, who led a Welsh revolt against English rule around 1400, is the most famous bearer of the name.
Is Owen a girl's or a boy's name?
Owen is a boy's name.
How popular is the name Owen?
In 2024, Owen was the 26th most popular name for baby boys in the United States, with 7,574 births.
What are good sibling names for Owen?
Names from the same generation, with a similar popularity in the United States: Mia, Sofia, Ruby and Ava for a sister, Julian, Wyatt, Lucas and Carter for a brother.
Who are famous people named Owen?
Owain Glyndŵr, Welsh leader; Owen Wilson, actor; Owen Farrell, rugby player; Wilfred Owen, poet (surname).