Noah Boy
NOH-uh
“rest, comfort” · Hebrew
#2
Owen
BoyWelsh, Latin· “possibly well born”
- Meaning
- possibly well born
- Origin
- Welsh, Latin
- Pronunciation
- OH-uhn
- Syllables
- 2
- US rank 2025
- #31
- US babies 2025
- 7,190
- Best rank
- #18 (2022)
- Peak year
- 2016
Meaning and origin of Owen
Owen is a Welsh and Latin name that is usually said to mean “possibly well born”.
Owen is the English form of the Welsh Owain, whose origin is uncertain. It is often linked to the Latin Eugenius, "well born", though some scholars prefer a native Welsh source. Owain mab Urien was a historical king in the north of Britain who became a knight of Arthurian legend, appearing in medieval French romance as Yvain. Owain Glyndŵr led a Welsh uprising against English rule in the early fifteenth century and remains a national hero in Wales. The name moved beyond Wales in the twentieth century and has grown into a widely loved choice. Owen sounds soft and friendly, and it rarely needs a nickname.
Popularity over time
Owen has been given to babies in the United States since at least 1880, the first year of Social Security records. It has ranked in the top 1,000 in 146 different years. Its best national rank was #18 in 2022, and the most babies received it in 2016, when 10,305 were named Owen. In 2025, 7,190 babies were named Owen, and it ranked #31 nationally. That is 25% fewer than ten years earlier, so it is becoming less common.
Its national rank moved from #217 in 1920, #341 in 1950, #442 in 1980, #145 in 2000, #47 in 2010, and #31 in 2025. Of the 245,644 US boys named Owen since records began, 37% were born in the 2010s, its biggest decade. The 2000s come next, with 61,878 babies.
Other boys' names that peaked around the same time include Sebastian, Carter, Wyatt, Grayson, and Julian.
Where it is most popular (2025)
In 2025, Owen ranked highest in Iowa, New Hampshire, and Rhode Island.
| State | Rank there | Babies |
|---|---|---|
| Iowa | #10 | 106 |
| New Hampshire | #10 | 56 |
| Rhode Island | #10 | 38 |
| Pennsylvania | #11 | 383 |
| Massachusetts | #11 | 259 |
Gender, sound and spelling
In the US it is used almost only for boys.
Owen is usually pronounced OH-uhn, with two syllables. It has four letters, starts with O and ends in “-en”.
Middle names for Owen
A few middle names that flow with Owen: each avoids a matching first letter, a rhyme and a vowel clash where the names meet.
Sibling names for Owen
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Lists that include Owen
Frequently asked questions
What does the name Owen mean?
Owen is a Welsh and Latin name that is usually said to mean “possibly well born”.
What is the origin of the name Owen?
Owen has Welsh and Latin roots. Owen is the English form of the Welsh Owain, whose origin is uncertain.
Is Owen a popular name?
Yes. Owen ranked #31 in the US in 2025, which makes it one of the 100 most popular names.
Is Owen a boy or girl name?
Owen is mainly a boy's name. In the US it is used almost only for boys.
How do you pronounce Owen?
Owen is usually pronounced OH-uhn. Stressed syllables are in capital letters.
Popularity figures come from US Social Security card applications (names given to at least five babies in a year, 1880 to 2025). How we source names and meanings