Owen

Owen is a masculine given name and a surname of Welsh origin. It is widely used in English-speaking countries and has entered other languages through cultural exchange. As a given name, Owen has a long history; as a surname, it originated from the given name and circulated through generations as a patronym.

The name is generally regarded as a modern form of the medieval Welsh name Owain. The exact origin of Owain is uncertain, and various theories connect it to Latin Eugenius or to Welsh elements meaning youth or noble lineage. In any case, Owen remains primarily associated with Wales and the British Isles, but is now common in many Anglophone countries.

In contemporary use, Owen is popular in the United States, the United Kingdom, Canada, and Australia. It is typically used as a masculine given name, though as a surname it is also common. In the United States and the United Kingdom, Owen rose in popularity in the late 20th century and remains well established on many naming lists.

Notable people with the given name include the American actor Owen Wilson (born 1968), the Canadian-American professional wrestler Owen Hart (1965–1999), the American author and novelist Owen Wister (1860–1938), and the British political commentator Owen Jones (born 1984). The name also appears in fictional contexts, such as characters named Owen in various works.

Geographic uses include Owen Sound, a city in Ontario, Canada, and Owen County, the name of several counties in the United States. The name Owen also appears in various place names and institutions around the world.