Names That Mean Rough

  1. Yarrow
    • Origin:

      Botanical name, English
    • Meaning:

      "rough stream"
    • Description:

      Highly unusual as a baby name for either gender, Yarrow is an herb that grows wild and has long been used for its medicinal property. It's named for the mythical Achilles, who was said to carry yarrow into battle.
  2. Yarrow
    • Origin:

      Botanical name, English
    • Meaning:

      "rough stream"
    • Description:

      Yarrow is a flowering herb that grows wild in Europe and North America, and has long been used in several Native American and European cultures as a healing plant. Named for the mythical god Achille, Yarrow is a symbol of enduring love.
  3. Rowley
    • Origin:

      English
    • Meaning:

      "rough clearing"
    • Description:

      A rough-and-tumble surname that has seen a small increase in use in recent years. Ten boys received the name in 2024 in the US.
  4. Garvan
    • Origin:

      Irish
    • Meaning:

      "rough little one"
    • Description:

      Irish surname derived from the name Gairbhín, a diminutive of garbh, "rough". It's barely been used as a first name, but could be a similar-yet-different alternative to names like Nolan and Sullivan.
  5. Garvey
    • Origin:

      Irish
    • Meaning:

      "rough peace"
    • Description:

      Occasionally used in the African-American community to honor Jamaican activist Marcus Garvey, known as "Emperor of the Kingdom of Africa," though his first name is more frequently chosen. Another possible namesake is baseball player Steve Garvey. Garvey sounds more modern than Harvey.