Find out how popular the first name Bowe has been for the last 47 years (from 1977 to 2023) and learn more about the meaning and history.

Popularity of Bowe by gender

Based on the last 47 years of data, Bowe is exclusively a male name.

For the most recent data in 2023, there were 7 male babies and 0 female babies born with the name Bowe.

The history of the first name Bowe

The name Bowe is believed to have originated from the Old English word "boga," which means "bow" or "archer." This suggests that the name may have initially been used to describe someone who was skilled in archery or worked as a bowyer, a maker of bows.

The earliest recorded use of the name Bowe dates back to the 13th century in England. It was during this period that surnames began to emerge, often derived from occupations, locations, or personal characteristics. The name Bowe likely arose as a descriptive surname for someone associated with the bow and arrow.

One of the earliest known individuals with the name Bowe was John Bowe, a prominent English archer who lived in the late 14th century. He was renowned for his skill with the longbow and participated in several military campaigns during the Hundred Years' War between England and France.

In the 16th century, a notable figure named Richard Bowe was a prominent English scholar and theologian. He was born in 1499 and served as the Dean of Christ Church, Oxford, from 1548 until his death in 1567.

Another historical figure with the name Bowe was John Bowe, an English Puritan minister who lived in the 17th century. He was born in 1609 and served as a pastor in various parishes in England before emigrating to New England in 1638, where he continued his ministry.

In the 18th century, a significant figure bearing the name Bowe was Thomas Bowe, an English engraver and painter. He was born in 1718 and is best known for his engravings of landscapes and architectural subjects, as well as his paintings of portraits and historical scenes.

During the 19th century, a notable individual with the name Bowe was William Bowe, an Australian explorer and surveyor. He was born in 1802 and played a crucial role in the exploration and mapping of various regions in New South Wales and Queensland, contributing significantly to the understanding of the Australian landscape.

While the name Bowe has its roots in Old English, it has been used across various cultures and regions throughout history. These examples showcase the diverse individuals who have carried this name, from archers and scholars to ministers, artists, and explorers, reflecting the rich tapestry of human experiences associated with this distinctive moniker.

Data source

The first name data used on this page comes from the Social Security Administration (SSA). They've been collecting data on baby names since 1880.

The history and meaning of the name Bowe was researched and written by our team of onomatology and genealogy experts.

If you have a correction or suggestion to improve the history of Bowe, please contact us.

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