Of Greek origin.
Owain is a Welsh form of the name “Eugene“, deriving from the Greek word “ευγενής”, eugenes, meaning “well born”, “polite”.
It may also be derived from the Welsh word “eoghunn”, meaning “youth”.
Owain was a name of several figures from Welsh mythology.
It was also the name of one of the Knights of the Round Table, according to the Arthurian legend, also called “Yvain” in French literature.
Owain Glyndwr was the leader of the Welsh resistance against English ruling, during the 14th century.
Alternative forms of the name are Eugene, Gene, Owen, Yevgeny, Eugênio, Yvain.