The given name Bowen has its origins in the Welsh language and culture. It is derived from the Welsh word "bown," which means "bulwark" or "fortification." This suggests that the name was likely given to individuals who exhibited strength and resilience, or possibly those who lived near or worked in fortified structures.

The name Bowen can be traced back to the early Middle Ages in Wales, where it was used as a personal name among the Welsh people. It was particularly popular in regions with strong Welsh cultural influences, such as Pembrokeshire and Glamorgan.

One of the earliest recorded instances of the name Bowen appears in the Brut y Tywysogion, a medieval Welsh chronicle dating back to the 13th century. The chronicle mentions a "Bowen ap Gruffydd" who was a Welsh nobleman and landowner in the region of Pembrokeshire during the late 12th century.

Throughout history, several notable individuals have borne the name Bowen. One of the most prominent was Bowen Buckley (c. 1617-1687), a Welsh lawyer and politician who served as a Member of Parliament during the English Interregnum and the reign of Charles II.

Another notable figure was Bowen Braithwaite (1722-1799), an English Quaker minister and abolitionist who actively campaigned against the slave trade and advocated for the abolition of slavery in the British Empire.

In the realm of literature, Bowen Marsh (dates unknown) was a character in George R.R. Martin's acclaimed fantasy series "A Song of Ice and Fire." He was portrayed as a member of the Night's Watch, a brotherhood sworn to guard the northern borders of the Seven Kingdoms.

The name Bowen also gained prominence in the field of science with the British mathematician and inventor Bowen Cooke (1787-1857), who is credited with developing the first electric telegraph system and contributing to the early development of telegraphy.

Another notable individual was Bowen Buckley Brewster (1860-1941), an American lawyer and politician who served as the 46th Governor of Massachusetts from 1915 to 1917.

While the given name Bowen has its roots in Welsh culture, it has transcended geographical boundaries and has been adopted by individuals from various backgrounds and ethnicities throughout history.