Rowan

Rowan may refer to several things, including a tree, a given name and surname, and various places and institutions.

The rowan, or mountain ash, is Sorbus aucuparia, a deciduous tree native to Europe and Asia and widely cultivated in temperate regions. It has pinnate leaves, clusters of white flowers in spring, and bright red to orange-red berries in autumn. Birds disperse the seeds, aiding spread. The tree is valued as an ornamental and its berries are used after cooking to make jams and liqueurs; raw berries can cause stomach upset if eaten in quantity. In folklore, rowan has long been associated with protection against witches and enchantments.

As a given name, Rowan is unisex and of Gaelic origin, derived from the rowan tree. It has become popular in English-speaking countries and is used for both boys and girls. Notable people with the name include Rowan Atkinson, the English comedian and actor; Rowan Williams, former Archbishop of Canterbury; and Rowan Blanchard, an American actress.

Rowan also appears in geographic and institutional contexts. Rowan County, North Carolina, is a U.S. county, and Rowan University is a public university in Glassboro, New Jersey. The name is used in various other place-names and since the early modern period has spread beyond its original Gaelic associations.