What's in a Name?

I know the name Rowan is a bit on the different side, so let me explain a little bit why we chose that name and what Riley calls him too.

The boy's name Rowan \
ro-wan\, also used as girl's nameRowan, is of Gaelic origin, and its meaning is "little red-head". Also the name of a flowering tree with redberries.
Rowan has 4 variant forms: Roan,Rohan, Rowe and Rowen.
For more information, see also the related name Rooney.
Baby names that sound like Rowan areRoyan, Ron, Roane, Ronn, Ryan andRian.
Rowan is an uncommon first name for men but a very common last name for both men and women (#2029 out of 88799). (1990 U.S. Census)

That's the history of the name. No, we didn't choose the "little red-head" nor was it really anything to do with the tree with red berries. Although since Riley is has a Rose for her middle name, it was kinda cool to have two plan references...still not why we chose it.

When Josh and I went to Ireland 4 years ago, we were on the lookout for Irish names. I have always told Josh since I gave up my Irish last name when we got married, the kids would have to have Irish first names since I'm rather proud of my Irish heritage. One of our favorite places on the trip was a place called Glen Da Lach, a monastary associated with St. Kevin I believe. Anyway, while we were there we looked at old headstones at GDL, listened for Irish names we liked when people were introduced, even considered names of cities or sites we visited, etc. and we came up with a few we liked a lot. Rowan was at the top of the list.

Now, Riley's method of naming "Baby Brother" is a little less specific. We asked her what we should name him and after saying Baby Brother almost the entire pregnancy, about a month ago she settled on Doddle...and that's it. She calls him Doddle or Rowan Doodle and she told all the nurses about it when she visited! And don't try "Doodle Bug" because she WILL correct you:)