| Rowan | Rory | |
|---|---|---|
| Meaning | Little red one; rowan tree | red king |
| Origin | Irish | irish |
| Gender | Boy | Boy |
| Pronunciation | ROH-un | ROR-ee |
| Syllables | 2 | 2 |
| First appeared | 1916 | 1933 |
| Peak year | 2025 (5,212) | 2025 (1,768) |
| In 2025 | 5,212 | 1,768 |
| Trend | Near its peak | Near its peak |
Source: US Social Security Administration.
| Decade | Rowan | Rory |
|---|---|---|
| 2020s | 24,763 | 8,172 |
| 2010s | 19,019 | 6,990 |
| 2000s | 5,491 | 2,737 |
| 1990s | 709 | 2,706 |
| 1980s | 182 | 4,738 |
| 1970s | 78 | 2,668 |
| 1960s | 71 | 3,737 |
| 1950s | 77 | 3,621 |
| 1940s | 76 | 462 |
| 1930s | 72 | 10 |
| 1920s | 72 | 0 |
| 1910s | 18 | 0 |
Rowan has two roots that meet in the name: the Irish Ruadhán, “little red one,” and the English name of the rowan tree with its red berries.
Anglicized form of Irish 'Ruaidhri', from 'ruadh' ('red') + 'ri' ('king') — 'red king'. Borne by Ruaidhri Ua Conchobair, the last High King of Ireland. Now also used for girls.
Rowan is more popular than Rory today: about 5,212 US babies were given the name Rowan in 2025, compared with 1,768 named Rory.
Rowan means Little red one; rowan tree (Irish origin), while Rory means red king (irish origin).
In US records, Rowan first appears in 1916 and Rory in 1933, so Rowan has the longer recorded history.