Owens is a patronymic name of Welsh and Gaelic strands that became part of Irish family life.
Where does the Owens name come from?
Owens means “son of Owen” — from the personal name Owen, in Welsh Owain, a name connected with ideas of nobility and youth, and one of the great names of Welsh tradition. In Ireland the same name overlaps with the Gaelic Eoghan, anglicised as Owen, so that Owens sometimes rendered a native name such as Mac Eoghain by translation.
Owens in Ireland
The name became established in several parts of the country, both through Welsh and English settlement and through its overlap with native Gaelic names. As a settled name, Owens is found today across Ireland and among the diaspora in the United States, Canada, Australia and Britain.
Related Irish family names
You may also like Osborne, Orr, and Barry.
Carry the Owens name with you
We craft heritage gifts for thousands of Irish and Scottish family names — mugs, woven blankets, ornaments and more. To find yours, type it into the search bar at the top of the page, or browse the Owens collection here.
Frequently asked questions
Is Owens an Irish surname?
Owens is of Welsh origin and overlaps with Gaelic names in Ireland, where it became a settled name in several areas.
What does Owens mean?
It means “son of Owen,” from the Welsh Owain; in Ireland it also overlaps with the Gaelic Eoghan.
Is there an Owens family crest?
Families of the name have heraldic traditions; the crest and tartan artwork on our Owens products is created as decorative heritage artwork to celebrate the name.
