Which spelling seems more feminine to you? [name_u]Rowan[/name_u] or [name_u]Rowen[/name_u]? Does it make a difference in how it’s pronounced?
[name_u]Rowan[/name_u] is MUCH more feminine to me.
Yes it matters. It’s the name of a tree, so you should spell it correctly. [name_u]Rowan[/name_u].
I’m aware of the traditional spelling as well as the tree, thank you. I’ve seen it spelled [name_u]Rowen[/name_u] as well and am just looking for input in general. No need to be snippy about it.
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You asked the question ‘does it (the spelling) matter?’ I gave you my opinion that yes it does matter, because of the name of the tree. I don’t see how that can be viewed as ‘snippy’.
I think [name_u]Rowen[/name_u] looks a bit off, like only half of a name. I think [name_u]Rowan[/name_u] is nice, and I like it for a boy. For a girl, I like Rowenna, so I guess [name_u]Rowen[/name_u] would be the closest to the feminine form. I think [name_u]Rowan[/name_u] would work on a girl though, I just prefer it for a boy (and prefer Rowenna for a girl, even though that isn’t really what you’re asking). Either one would work for a girl. I think most people will automatically spell it [name_u]Rowan[/name_u], so I would go with that.
I believe when parents spell names correctly it’s a positive reflection of those parents as well as the child. So yes, even if the pronunciation is the same, spelling matters. [name_u]Rowan[/name_u] is unisex so that’s the way I would spell it for either gender.
I much prefer the [name_u]Rowan[/name_u] spelling for a girl, [name_u]Rowan[/name_u] or [name_u]Roan[/name_u] for a boy. I love the name on either gender.
[name_u]Rowan[/name_u] feels far prettier and due to the fact that I’m studying Spanish a is feminine and e is masculine therefore I find
[name_u]Rowan[/name_u] more feminine then [name_u]Rowen[/name_u]. I adore [name_u]Rowan[/name_u]!!
[name_u]Rowan[/name_u] is far better; it is the correct and original spelling. There is no difference in pronounciation of [name_u]Rowan[/name_u] and [name_u]Rowen[/name_u].
Yes, it matters. Spelling ALWAYS matters!
I would personally use the traditional spelling especially when using a unisex or boy name on a girl.
While I’m not a big fan of the name for either gender (not a unisex-name-person I suppose) and even with it being the “wrong” spelling, I feel [name_u]Rowen[/name_u] is a bit more feminine, probably because it reminds me of Rowenna.
Whichever spelling you choose, I think you’ll be fine.
i like [name_u]Rowan[/name_u] and see it as more feminine but the E makes me want to say row-ween and I don’t like the e spelling
I think the spelling does matter, because it is indicative of the style or vibe that you are going for. The [name_u]Rowan[/name_u] spelling directly connects to the tree, giving off a beautiful, elegant, nature vibe. [name_u]Rowen[/name_u] is more about the sound of the name, and fits more into the modern, trendy category of names with altered spellings. If the latter is your style, you might also consider [name_m]Rowyn[/name_m]. However, you won’t find much love for the altered spellings on Nameberry, because this community tends to place more emphasis on the meaning and history of a name over how it sounds and looks. I prefer the [name_u]Rowan[/name_u] spelling for that reason…the tree is very symbolic in folklore, with meanings like power, vision, balance, mystery, and transformation. So many incredible traits summed up in one name! 
I prefer [name_u]Rowan[/name_u]. [name_u]Rowen[/name_u] looks a bit weird for me, sorry.
Thank you all for the responses! My husband and I also prefer the traditional spelling but I know a little girl named [name_u]Rowen[/name_u] so I wasn’t sure if that was the preferred spelling for girls. Good to know the traditional spelling is appropriate for girls too!
Of course spelling matters. [name_u]Rowan[/name_u] is the traditional spelling. [name_u]Rowen[/name_u] is a variation.
I prefer [name_u]Rowan[/name_u], the a gives it a more feminine appearance and as everyone else already mentioned, is the correct spelling.
The OP was actually asking if the spelling changes the pronunciation of the name itself, she wasn’t asking if the spelling of the name matters in general.
[name_f]IMO[/name_f], it does change it just slightly. I would naturally pronounce [name_u]Rowen[/name_u] a little closer to Row-in… and [name_u]Rowan[/name_u] closer to the a/e sound.
Also, the original spelling [name_u]Rowan[/name_u] looks far more feminine, [name_f]IMO[/name_f].
Have a great day!
- [name_f]Aggie[/name_f]-
Spelling always matters.