Rowan
/ˈroʊən/noun
A small tree or shrub in the genus Sorbus, especially the mountain ash, known for its clusters of red berries.
Did you know?In Celtic and Norse folk tradition, rowan branches were often hung near doors and livestock because the tree was believed to repel enchantment and harmful spirits.
Etymological Timeline
Proto-Indo-European
PIE
*reudh-
“to be red, ruddy”
Proto-Germanic
PGmc
*raudanaz
“red”
Old Norse
ON
reynir
“the rowan tree”
Old English
OE
rān / rōwan
“rowan tree”
Middle English
ME
rowen
“rowan tree”
Modern English
English
rowan
“a rowan tree”