Rowena
Rowena is an girl name of Uncertain, possibly Welsh or Germanic origin, meaning “Possibly 'fame and joy' or 'white spear'”.
| Meaning | Possibly 'fame and joy' or 'white spear' |
|---|---|
| Gender | Girl |
| Origin | Uncertain, possibly Welsh or Germanic |
| Pronunciation | roh-EE-nuh |
| Tradition | Modern & Classic |
| Used in | United Kingdom, Australia |
Meaning and origin of Rowena
Rowena first appears in medieval chronicles as the daughter of the Saxon leader Hengist. Its origin is debated: some link it to Old English or Germanic words for fame and joy, others to a Welsh phrase meaning 'white spear' or 'fair and slender'. Walter Scott revived it in his 1819 novel Ivanhoe, where Lady Rowena is the heroine, after which it became popular.
Is Rowena a religious name?
Rowena is a literary and legendary name without religious associations.
How popular is Rowena?
Rare today, chosen mainly for its romantic literary feel.
Gifts with the name Rowena
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Spellings and variants of Rowena
Names similar to Rowena
More girl names
Frequently asked questions
What does the name Rowena mean?
Rowena means 'Possibly 'fame and joy' or 'white spear''. It is of Uncertain, possibly Welsh or Germanic origin.
Does Rowena have a religious meaning?
Rowena is a literary and legendary name without religious associations.
How do you pronounce Rowena?
Rowena is pronounced roh-EE-nuh.
Is Rowena a boy or girl name?
Rowena is usually a girl name.