Find out how popular the first name Zowie has been for the last 30 years (from 1992 to 2021) and learn more about the meaning and history.

Popularity of Zowie by gender

Based on the last 30 years of data, Zowie is exclusively a female name.

For the most recent data in 2021, there were 12 female babies and 0 male babies born with the name Zowie.

The history of the first name Zowie

The name Zowie is believed to have its origins in the English language, emerging in the late 19th century as an exclamation of surprise or excitement. It was likely derived from the earlier slang term "zounds," which was a minced oath or euphemism for "God's wounds," commonly used in the 16th and 17th centuries.

While the name Zowie is not directly linked to any particular cultural or linguistic roots, it gained popularity as a given name during the 20th century, particularly in English-speaking countries. Its playful and unique sound appealed to parents seeking a distinctive and unconventional name for their children.

One of the earliest recorded instances of Zowie as a given name can be found in the birth records of Zowie Bowie, born in 1971. She was the daughter of renowned musician David Bowie and his wife Angie Bowie. David Bowie reportedly chose the name as a nod to the cosmic and avant-garde elements of his artistic persona.

Another notable figure with the name Zowie was Zowie Broach, an American actress and model born in 1983. She appeared in various television shows and films throughout the 1990s and early 2000s, including the popular sitcom "The Fresh Prince of Bel-Air."

In the literary world, Zowie Norris was a character in the novel "The Corrections" by Jonathan Franzen, published in 2001. The character's name added a touch of whimsy and eccentricity to the narrative.

Beyond these examples, the name Zowie has been relatively uncommon throughout history, often chosen for its distinctiveness and flair. While it may not have deep cultural or linguistic roots, its unique sound and connotations of excitement and surprise have contributed to its enduring appeal as a given name.

It is worth noting that while the name Zowie has been used across various contexts, it has remained a relatively rare and unconventional choice, adding to its individuality and charm for those seeking a truly distinctive name for their children.

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

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

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