Owen
Owen is a boys' name of Welsh origin meaning “Young warrior, or well-born.” It ranked #31 in the United States in 2025.
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how do you pronounce Owen?
OH-en
where does the name Owen come from?
The anglicised form of the Welsh Owain, generally derived from the Latin Eugenius, meaning well-born, though some trace it instead to a native Celtic root meaning youth or warrior. The two proposals have been argued over for a century without resolution.
A Anglicization of the Welsh 'Owain,' itself possibly from Latin 'Eugenius' (well-born) or Celtic roots meaning young warrior. It was borne by the legendary Welsh prince Owain Glyndŵr.
how popular is this name?
Owen has appeared in the US top 1,000 in 146 years since 1880. It peaked at #18 in 2022, and ranked #31 in 2025.
See the milestone years
| Year | Rank |
|---|---|
| 2025 | #31 |
| 2024 | #26 |
| 2023 | #20 |
| 2022 | #18 |
| 2021 | #22 |
| 2020 | #22 |
| 2019 | #21 |
| 2018 | #25 |
| 2017 | #28 |
| 2016 | #24 |
| 2010 | #47 |
| 2000 | #144 |
| 1990 | #453 |
| 1980 | #442 |
| 1970 | #523 |
| 1960 | #404 |
| 1950 | #341 |
| 1940 | #294 |
| 1930 | #245 |
| 1920 | #217 |
| 1910 | #214 |
| 1900 | #203 |
| 1890 | #194 |
| 1880 | #168 |
Source: SSA National Baby Names Dataset (through 2025). Years absent from the table are years Owen fell outside the top 1,000.
the history of Owen
Owain Glyndŵr, who led the last major Welsh revolt against English rule from 1400 and was proclaimed Prince of Wales, remains the name's defining bearer and a national figure in Wales. Owain also appears in Arthurian romance as the Knight of the Lion. The name has spread well beyond Wales and now ranks highly across the English-speaking world.
who are famous people named Owen?
- Owen Wilson
- Owen Farrell
- Owain Glyndŵr
what are the nicknames and variants of Owen?
Nicknames
Variants around the world
what names are similar to Owen?
what names go well with Owen?
Sibling names that share Owen's rhythm and register without echoing it too closely.
quick answers about Owen
What does the name Owen mean?
Owen means “Young warrior, or well-born”.
What is the origin of the name Owen?
Owen comes from the Welsh naming tradition. Related forms include Owain, Eoghan and Ewan.
How popular is the name Owen?
Owen ranked #31 in the US in 2025, according to Social Security data. Its best year was 2022, at #18, and it has spent 146 years in the top 1,000 since 1880.
Is Owen a boy or girl name?
Owen is primarily a boys' name.
How do you pronounce Owen?
Owen is pronounced OH-en, with 2 syllables.
Last updated · Curated by HushName editorial
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