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Original poster

Rowan as a boy name?

41 replies

BubbleAndSquark · 15/07/2017 22:14

We've finally found a boys name that we both like, but the only thing putting me off is it being unisex.

Would you think of a boy or girl when you hear Rowan, or would you think of it as either equally? Don't want to give him a name where people are surprised he's a boy after hearing it!

Also, would you pronounce it more row-an or row-un when reading it?

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cliffdiver · 15/07/2017 22:58

Roe-an

I would assume it was a boy's name.

Foxsox · 15/07/2017 22:33

I grew up with a boy at school called Rowan. He's 33 so to me it's a always originally a boys name (like Ashley)

milkjetmum · 15/07/2017 22:31

Rohan another option which I would say is less unisex. Ime male rowans are 'ro-un' and the only female I know I s a 'Row-an' (rhymes with wow)

Justhadmyhaircut · 15/07/2017 22:27

I have a Roan. . Ro-an. No' w 'in sight or sound!!

moggle · 15/07/2017 22:26

I would assume boy but I have known a lovely little girl called Rowan so I wouldn't be surprised either way.

SocksRock · 15/07/2017 22:26

I know a couple of each, but would tend to assume boy I think.

Dontrocktheboat · 15/07/2017 22:24

I know two boys called Rowan so would probably be more likely to assume boy - on Roe-un. I like it.

I do like it as a girls name too but would pronounce Row-an like the tree.

SenoritaViva · 15/07/2017 22:24

I love it. I think the spelling Roan may be more male (same pronunciation), possibly Scottish spelling but don't quote me!

camtt · 15/07/2017 22:22

I think boy as it is DH's name. But it is a genuinely unisex name so I think people who know your child will just think of Rowan as a boy in his case and give it no more thought than that. Our DS2 has a name that can be used for boys or girls but in this country is far more often a girl's name - that works ok although I know most people thought our choice mad, but the child fits the name.

Lostmyemailaddress · 15/07/2017 22:22

My youngest ds is called Rowan and we get compliments about it. We pronounce it as row un.

Mrsknackered · 15/07/2017 22:21

I love it. It's my favourite boys name (a little biased)

mondler · 15/07/2017 22:21

I always think of it as a boys name. I know of one whose in their late 20s. Never met any girls with the name.

TartanDMs · 15/07/2017 22:20

I think of Rowan Atkinson and Rowan Williams - it's definitely a boys name.

MoonfaceAndSilky · 15/07/2017 22:20

I think of it as a boys name, my dd15 has a boy in her class with this name. I think it's nice and I'd say it as Row-un Smile

KingJoffreysRestingCuntface · 15/07/2017 22:19

Row-wun.

Rowan Atkinson is the person I think of so I associate it as a boy's name.

I love it. Beautiful name. Classic.

TheNumberfaker · 15/07/2017 22:19

Boy and Row-un