Find out how popular the first name Bowie has been for the last 49 years (from 1975 to 2023) and learn more about the meaning and history.

Popularity of Bowie by gender

Based on the last 49 years of data, Bowie is more commonly used as a male name, with approximately 64% of people named Bowie being male.

For the most recent data in 2023, there were 192 male babies and 126 female babies born with the name Bowie.

The history of the first name Bowie

The given name Bowie is an English surname that has been used as a masculine given name since the late 19th century. It is derived from the Old French word "bouvier", meaning a herdsman or cowherd. The name itself is believed to have originated from the Latin word "bovis", meaning ox or cow.

In its earliest recorded use as a surname, Bowie can be traced back to the 12th century in England. The name was likely adopted by individuals who worked as herdsmen or had some association with cattle farming. Over time, it became a common surname in various parts of England, particularly in the counties of Yorkshire and Lancashire.

While there are no known direct historical references or mentions of the name Bowie in ancient texts or religious scriptures, it is worth noting that the name shares a connection with the agricultural and pastoral traditions of various cultures throughout history.

One of the earliest recorded individuals with the given name Bowie was James Bowie (1796-1836), an American pioneer and soldier who played a crucial role in the Texas Revolution. He is best known for his involvement in the Battle of the Alamo and for the design of the Bowie knife, which bears his name.

Another notable individual with the given name Bowie was Bowie Kuhn (1926-2007), an American lawyer and sports administrator who served as the fifth Commissioner of Major League Baseball from 1969 to 1984.

In the world of music, the most famous bearer of the name Bowie was undoubtedly David Bowie (1947-2016), the legendary British singer, songwriter, and actor who significantly influenced popular culture with his innovative and genre-defying music.

Other historical figures with the given name Bowie include Bowie Richard Howard (1908-1988), an American author and screenwriter known for his Western novels, and Bowie Elliston (1909-2003), an American football player and coach who played for the Detroit Lions in the 1930s.

While the name Bowie has its origins in the English language and culture, it has since gained popularity and recognition across various regions and communities around the world, often associated with individuals who have made significant contributions in their respective fields.

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 Bowie was researched and written by our team of onomatology and genealogy experts.

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

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