Owen - Names
Meaning of the name Owen
Gender:
Male
Meaning:
Well born (from Greek: eu ‘good’, genes ‘born’)
History & etymology:
The name Owen had been ultimately derived from Greek Eugenes, meaning 'well born'. Eugenes was adopted into Gaelic as Eogan or Eoghan and into Old Welsh as Eugein or Ougein. Subsequently, the form Ougein gave rise to Owain, whose modern spelling is Owen.
The Celtic patron saint of the name is St. Owen of Lichfield, a 7th century Benedictine monk and hermit, a governor of Queen Ethelreda’s household. He was known for his hands-on approach to serving in the monastery. He chose labour rather than studying Holy Scriptures. St. Owen was reportedly always carrying an axe and a hatchet with him. His life was an exemplary model of the Benedictines’ motto: In the handiwork of their craft is their prayer.
His feast day is celebrated on 4th March.
Alternative spellings & nicknames:
Owain (Welsh)
Related names: Euan, Ewan, Ewen, Eoghan, Gene, Eugenius, Eugene
Similar names in other languages & name days:
Austria
2nd June, 8th July, 13th November: Eugen
France
13th July: Eugène
Ireland
15th March, 18th April, 28th May, 31st May, 23rd August, 16th October, 20th December: Eoghan
20th December: Eoghanán
Poland
4th January, 4th March, 2nd June, 8th July, 13th July, 6th September, 13th November, 30th December: Eugeniusz
Spain
4th January, 4th March, 13th July: Eugenio
Sweden
5th November: Eugen
Ukraine
21st January: Eugene
USA
24th August: Owen
18th November: Eugene
Famous people named Owen:
Owen Arthur (1949-) - former Prime Minister of Barbados
Owen Benjamin (1980-) - American actor
Owen Chamberlain (1920 - 2006) - American physicist
Owen Farrell (1991-) - English rugby player
Owen Franks (1987-) - New Zealand rugby player
Owen Garriott (1930-) - American astronaut
Owen Hargreaves (1981-) - Canadian-English soccer player
Owen Hart (1965-) - Canadian wrestler
Owen Johnson (1878 - 1952) - American novelist
Owen Jones (1984-) - English journalist
Owen King (1977-) - American novelist; son of Stephen King
Owen Nolan (1972-) - Canadian-Irish hockey player
Owen Teale (1961-) - Welsh actor
Owen Wilson (1968-) - American actor and comedian
Owen Wister (1860 - 1938) - American novelist
Fun facts:
Popularity (2015)
USA: 36th
England and Wales: 101st
Canada: 13th
Australia: 94th
Northern Ireland: 98th
Scotland: 74th
Lucky colors: yellow, brown
Lucky stone: Sapphire
Ruling planet: Uranus
Characteristics: expressive, sociable, daring, resilient, spontaneous
1. Sir Owain (or Ywain) was one of the Knights of the Round Table, according to the Arthurian legends.
2. The feminine form of Owen is Owena.
3. Owen is frequently used as a surname, too.