Has anyone heard of Ruan for a girl?

[chickbean]

In one of my favourite books the main character is a girl called Ruan (it was written in the earlier part of the 20th century). I have looked online and can only find it as a boys name. Has anyone else come across it as a girl's name.

Not sure why I'm asking, DH would be sure to veto it and I'm sure DC3 will be another boy (suppose I could call him Ruan anyway).

I've heard of a Ruanne and she's about 40 now?

have heard of Rhian for a girl or Roan but apparently Ruan means little red one which is the same as Rowan/Roan

does it matter if its predominantly known as a boys name? if you love it use it, our DD3 is called a name more commonly used for a boy and we love it on her

and just so you know, had she been a boy she would have been Roan

I've heard of Ruhannah.

DD2 has a friend (girl) called Ruan. We live in Ireland and while it isn't a madly popular name, it isn't unusual either.

Hmm - may wait until after the birth and then guilt-trip DH into having it

i only know Ruan as a south african boy's name

I've never heard of it for a boy or a girl

[helpful]

I once worked with sisters called Roxanne and Ruanne, they had Cornish blood I think.

There is a small Irish village in Co Clare called Ruan, but never heard of it as a name..

Once met a Ruanna; she'll be in her thirties now.