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Baby names

Find baby name inspiration and advice on the Mumsnet Baby Names forum.

Original poster

Rowan or Rohan????

34 replies

RoseGarden123 · 08/02/2013 10:13

Our baby boy is due soon as we like the name Rowan/rohan with the Irish pronounciation of Ro - w(h)an. Where the w or h are almost silent.
On research it appears that both are old fashion versions of the gaelic version of the name but Rohan is more the spelling of the boys version. However I believe in Indian cultures that Rohan is used as a boys name with the pronounciation Row-Han - with emphasis on the H.
which do you think is best? And how would you pronounce each if you saw them written?

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JoanHarris · 08/02/2013 14:52

I'm Irish and I've never heard of Rowan/Rohan - maybe I'm alone? Ronan is the normal over here.

TenthMuse · 08/02/2013 13:55

I suspect Rohan would tend to be pronounced Row-han. The (half-Indian) Rohan I taught pronounced his name this way, plus you have the Lord of the Rings connection, which (if I remember correctly) also pronounces the h! Either version is lovely, but f you want the Irish pronunciation I think Rowan is a safer bet.

Original poster
RoseGarden123 · 08/02/2013 12:16

Thanks all, looks like 'Rowan' may be the best way to go...

OP posts:
badtime · 08/02/2013 10:42

Rohan is also a country in Lord of the Rings - in the films, the 'h' is pronounced.

JazzAnnNonMouse · 08/02/2013 10:28

I would automatically pronounce rohan as row- han sounding the 'h'. I would suggest that if you don't want to be correcting people to the pronunciation you prefer you should go with rowan. Smile

GlaikitFizzog · 08/02/2013 10:28

As in ro-an to rhyme with Owen? (I'm Scottish so they do sound the same to me) then I would go with rowan. I know a rowan and its a lovely name! I think if you use the h the h will be pronounced. But be prepared for some people to call him row-an rhymes with Cowan.

LittleChimneyDroppings · 08/02/2013 10:24

I like Rowan. Its a great name.

IrnBruTheNoo · 08/02/2013 10:19

I also know an Indian boy called Rohan, I love this name!

rachel234 · 08/02/2013 10:17

I know an Indian boy called Rohan and they do pronounce the h. I think I'd go for Rowan in your case.