Noah Boy
NOH-uh
“rest, comfort” · Hebrew
#2
Roan
BoyIrish, English· “red; from Irish Ruadhán or roan horse”
- Meaning
- red; from Irish Ruadhán or roan horse
- Origin
- Irish, English
- Pronunciation
- ROHN
- Syllables
- 1
- US rank 2025
- #1,309
- US babies 2025
- 149
- Best rank
- #1,309 (2025)
- Peak year
- 2025
Meaning and origin of Roan
Roan is an Irish and English name that is usually said to mean “red; from Irish Ruadhán or roan horse”.
Roan has two strands of meaning. As an Irish name, it can be linked to Ruadhán, from ruadh, red, and it also recalls Rowan and Ronan. In English, roan describes a horse with a coat of mixed colors. The name has a simple, strong sound and a rustic, outdoorsy image that fits alongside names like Rowan, Reid and Rhys. It is easy to say and spell and pairs well with longer middle names. Parents who like short nature-inspired names with a hint of Irish heritage may find Roan appealing.
Other spellings with the same sound: Roen, Rhone.
Popularity over time
Roan first appears in US Social Security records in 1926. It has never ranked in the national top 1,000, which keeps it genuinely uncommon. It is at its all-time high right now: 2025 brought both its best national rank, #1,309, and its highest count, 149 babies. Use has grown 52% in ten years.
Its national rank moved from #7,073 in 1980, #3,730 in 2000, #1,710 in 2010, and #1,309 in 2025. Of the 2,734 US boys named Roan since records began, 36% were born in the 2010s, its biggest decade. The 2000s come next, with 784 babies.
Other boys' names that peaked around the same time include Renzo, Faris, Saif, Townes, and Yunus.
Where it is most popular (2025)
In 2025, Roan ranked highest in Colorado, Pennsylvania, and Minnesota.
| State | Rank there | Babies |
|---|---|---|
| Colorado | #612 | 9 |
| Pennsylvania | #835 | 10 |
| Minnesota | #910 | 5 |
| North Carolina | #1116 | 7 |
| Tennessee | #1157 | 5 |
Gender, sound and spelling
About 90% of US babies named Roan over the last 20 years were boys, with a small share of girls.
Roan is usually pronounced ROHN, with one syllable. It has four letters, starts with R and ends in “-an”. Names that sound the same but are spelled differently include Roen and Rhone.
Middle names for Roan
A few middle names that flow with Roan: each avoids a matching first letter, a rhyme and a vowel clash where the names meet.
Sibling names for Roan
Similar names
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Lists that include Roan
Frequently asked questions
What does the name Roan mean?
Roan is an Irish and English name that is usually said to mean “red; from Irish Ruadhán or roan horse”.
What is the origin of the name Roan?
Roan has Irish and English roots. Roan has two strands of meaning.
Is Roan a popular name?
Not especially. Roan ranked #1,309 in the US in 2025, which puts it outside the top 1,000.
Is Roan a boy or girl name?
Roan is mainly a boy's name. About 90% of US babies named Roan over the last 20 years were boys, with a small share of girls.
How do you pronounce Roan?
Roan is usually pronounced ROHN. 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