Rowena is a feminine given name of uncertain origin, first recorded in the 12th-century Historia Regum Britanniae by Geoffrey of Monmouth. According to Geoffrey, Rowena was the beautiful daughter of the Saxon chief Hengist, who married the British king Vortigern and treacherously secured the Kingdom of Kent for her people through seduction. Modern historians debate her historicity, as contemporary sources like Bede's Ecclesiastical History do not mention her. Etymology The name's etymology is disputed. It may derive from Old English elements hroð "fame" and wynn "joy", though no surviving Old English records contain this combination. Alternatively, it could come from Old Welsh ron "spear" and gwen "white", giving the meaning "white spear." In Welsh, the name evolved into Rhonwen. Geoffrey likely introduced a Latinized corruption of an unattested Germanic or Brittonic original. Cultural Significance The name remained largely restricted to legend until the early 19th century, when Sir Walter Scott popularized it through the character Rowena in his historical novel Ivanhoe (1819). Scott's Rowena is a noble Saxon lady, contrasting with Geoffrey's negative portrayal, making the name more acceptable in English-speaking households. Since then, Rowena has seen regular use, and its variants include Rowina. Notable Bearers Rowena (legendary) – daughter of Hengist, figure in British legend Rowena, Lady of Bective (15th century) – Scots noblewoman Rowena Jackson (born 1926) – New Zealand ballerina Rowena Meeks Abdy (1887–1945) – American painter Rowena Morrill (1944–2021) – American fantasy illustrator Meaning: Uncertain; possibly "fame joy" (Old English) or "white spear" (Old Welsh) Origin: Possibly Old English or Old Welsh; first recorded by 12th-century chronicler Geoffrey of Monmouth Usage Region: Predominantly English Variant: Rowina Welsh Cognate: Rhonwen