← All names

Elowen

Girl name · 22 babies recorded · 1974–2025

Elowen: 22 babies born in Scotland since 1974, given to girls, peaking at 6 births in 2025.

Elowen is a Cornish name, derived from the elements *el* meaning “elm” and *lowen* meaning “happy” or “joyful” – so the full meaning is often poetically rendered as “elm joy” or “joy of the elm tree”. While deeply rooted in Cornwall, the name has found a gentle foothold in Scotland in recent decades, partly thanks to its lyrical, nature-inspired sound. Famous bearers remain rare – Elowen is a name of emerging prominence rather than established fame – though it appears in the novels of Scottish author Ali Smith (such as *There But For The*). Its closest place connection is the valley of the River Elowen in southern Cornwall, whose name shares the same linguistic root. A key variant, Elowyn, with a “y”, has grown in popularity alongside the original spelling, especially among parents seeking a softer, more fantasy-like feel.