Owain

Owain is an Old Welsh and Celtic Brythonic name for boys that has origins in Greek. An alternative and more unique form of Owen, Owain has many spelling variations, including Ougein, Eugein, Ywein, Eoghan, Ewan, Ewein, Ouen, and Owein. The leading theory is that these names stem from the Greek Eugenios (Eugene), which lends the high and mighty meaning "well-born." Others suggest Owain and co. come from the Celtic roots *owi-, *wesu-, or *awi-, followed by the Old Welsh suffix gen, inspiring possible meanings like "born of desire," "born of good," and "born of sheep," respectively.

A reader with knowledge of Old Welsh and Celtic history proposed the meaning "pure in thought," but we can't find a source to confirm this for now. Owain is borne by many historical figures of the British Isles and Europe—both real and legendary—making it a famous name of antiquity. These include Owain Glyndwr, a Cymric revolutionary leader of the 15th Century and Owain ap Beli, a king of Strathclyde mentioned in the Annals of Tigernach from Ireland. A name that reaches into the heroic past of kings and leaders alike, Owain is a choice that will make the most of your child's potential.