Rowan draws on two related threads: the Irish ruadh, "little red one," and the rowan tree itself, long used in folk tradition to ward off harm. Together they give the name a protective undertone, paired with a warmth suggested by its color association.
We ought not to use arguments or tedious discourses in giving judgement, much less flatteries, but only to pronounce what is known by experience and firm reason. - Cardan Girolamo (1501-1576)