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I love Rowena. It's on what I call my medium list...and also sometimes works its way onto my short list.

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I don't think it's "too Ivanhoe".

Actually, the first thing I think about is Rowena Ravenclaw from the Harry Potter series, lol. I think it's really pretty.

It's a lovely name, and I'm surprised it's not used more often. There's a very attractive Aussie actress by this name, and I know a sibset Rowena and Ralph. However, it's quite uncommon and is a gem just waiting for a little girl.
The literary reference enhances its appeal.

This message was edited 4/24/2009, 2:17 PM

I don't like Rowena because that long ee in the middle is nasal to me, but it's not a bad name. I wouldn't think of Ivanhoe unless Rowena was in a sibset with Walter, but I don't know if you'd actually consider Walter for a child or if you only like it on a punctuation pet.

No, it doesn't remind me of anything particularly; but I don't care for the emphasized "weeen" sound. I think I would like it, though, if it were only spelled Rohena, and pronounced almost the same.

I prefer Rowan.

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I know people think it is a strictly masculine name, but I think it sounds better on a girl.

I love it!

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It's one of my favourites, and I think it's underrated. As far as I'm concerned, the Ivanohe association is a good one. It's also been used by E.A. Poe in the story Ligea, which is actually how I discovered this name.

I adore Rowena and think the Ivanhoe reference is not that overwhelming at all. Sadly, I agree with Bear, I don't think a lot of people are going to make the connection anyway.

I first saw it spelled Roina, but I much prefer the spelling Rowena or Rowina

Rowena's stock has risen with me lately too. The Ivanhoe reference adds to its charms, to me. It doesn't overpower it. Sadly, I doubt most people would even know the reference. :-(

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Sisters Octavia, Hadassah and Rowena would be a force to be reckoned with. :-)

I love Rowena! I've never read Ivanhoe, so I don't associate it with the novel--I just think it's an elegant and dreadfully underused name.
:)