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Baby names

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

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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TheNumberfaker · 15/07/2017 22:19

Boy and Row-un

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.

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

TartanDMs · 15/07/2017 22:20

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

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.

Mrsknackered · 15/07/2017 22:21

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

Lostmyemailaddress · 15/07/2017 22:22

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

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.

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!

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.

SocksRock · 15/07/2017 22:26

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

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.

Justhadmyhaircut · 15/07/2017 22:27

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

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)

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)

cliffdiver · 15/07/2017 22:58

Roe-an

I would assume it was a boy's name.

TurquoiseOwl · 15/07/2017 23:04

I do think girl, but like it for either! Row-un.

EllieMentry · 15/07/2017 23:05

I've never met a girl Rowan. Only boys. Love it!

Madeyemoodysmum · 15/07/2017 23:07

Love it. Wanted it Dh said No. grrrrrrr

Sophronia · 16/07/2017 00:46

I only like it for a girl. I know two, one male one female. Both say it roe-un.

rollonthesummer · 16/07/2017 00:53

I've only known girl Rowans.

Chasingsquirrels · 16/07/2017 00:55

Row-an.
One in my 11yo's class. Also Rowan Atkinson.
Never personally known a female Rowan.

supersix · 16/07/2017 09:09

One of my 6 boys is Rowan so I obviously love it & definitely associate it with a boy (although it would be lovely for a girl too). We pronounce it Row(to rhyme with Low)-un. He loves his name & others seem to love it too.

Sugarpiehoneyeye · 16/07/2017 09:43

I always think of it as a boys name.

islandsandshores · 16/07/2017 09:44

It can be used as a boys name but I think it's very feminine in sound.

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