Rowan

Rowan is a gender-neutral name of Irish origin. Deriving from the Old Irish moniker Ruadhán, Rowan comes from the word rúad paired with a diminutive suffix, creating the meanings “little red one,” "little red-haired one," and "little red head." Rowan is also an Irish, Scottish, and English last name.

Rowan is a name as beloved in nature as it is in folklore. The rowan tree's name has British, Scottish, and Old Norse roots, but still refers to the color red for the tree's bright berries. For millennia, the rowan tree has been a symbol of protection in Celtic culture and tradition. A name that’s so vividly associated with red could be perfect for a little red-haired baby, or to pay tribute to a fiery personality It also has a subtle tree-inspired appeal, as The Bump user Schnebs points out: "I love this name. It's nature-y without screaming it."

Today, you'll find Rowan as the name of one of the main characters of the Throne of Glass series, borne by the powerful fae warrior, Rowan Whitethorn. Throne of Glass takes inspiration from the original Cinderella fairytale with influence from Celtic lore, making the name a perfect fit for this mystical universe.