Owain
/ˈoʊ.aɪn/noun
A traditional Welsh masculine given name, corresponding roughly to Owen in English.
Did you know?The name is famously borne by Owain Glyndŵr, the medieval Welsh prince who led a major revolt against English rule and became a symbol of Welsh independence.
Etymological Timeline
Late Antiquity
Latin
Eugenius
“A Latin personal name derived from Greek Eug enēs, meaning “well-born”; this is one proposed source of the later Welsh name.”
6th–8th Century
Brittonic
*Ougein
“A reconstructed Brittonic form associated with the earliest historical spellings of the name; its exact relationship to Eugenius remains uncertain.”
9th–10th Century
Old Welsh
Ou guoin / Owein
“Early Welsh forms of the personal name, appearing in medieval genealogical and literary traditions.”
12th Century
Middle Welsh
Owain
“The established Welsh form used for figures such as Owain Gwynedd and the legendary hero Owain mab Urien.”
14th–15th Century
Welsh
Owain Glyndŵr
“The name of the Welsh prince who led a major uprising against English rule from 1400.”
Modern English
English
Owain
“A Welsh masculine given name, often anglicized as Owen.”