Rowena

Rowena is a feminine given name that has appeared in English-speaking cultures since the 19th century and, less commonly, as a surname. It remains in occasional use today but is not among the most popular names.

The origin of Rowena is uncertain. It has been linked to various medieval or earlier roots in Welsh or Germanic languages, but no definitive etymology is established. Its popularity in the English-speaking world was greatly boosted by Sir Walter Scott's 1820 novel Ivanhoe, in which Rowena is a Saxon noblewoman. The character helped popularize the name beyond its literary niche.

In culture, Rowena has appeared in multiple works of fiction and in modern media. A well-known contemporary bearer in popular television is Rowena MacLeod, a character in the series Supernatural who is depicted as a powerful witch. Beyond fictional uses, the name is given to real individuals and appears in various artistic and literary contexts, though none have achieved universal renown solely on the basis of the name.

Geographically and in branding contexts, Rowena has been used for places and landmarks, including Rowena Crest, a ridge in the Columbia River Gorge in Oregon, United States. The name is also used for fictional locations and for various cultural or commercial entities in different regions.

See also: Rowena as a given name, and related naming references.