Rising since 1999, #6,446 for boys today.
Popularity of Bow since 1980
Babies named Bow per year in U.S. Social Security records.
Data table (by decade)
| Decade | Boys |
|---|---|
| 1980s | 11 |
| 1990s | 10 |
| 2000s | 36 |
| 2010s | 139 |
| 2020s | 64 |
Meaning & origin
Bow is a minimalist, single-syllable name that has quietly entered the US baby name charts. First recorded in 1980, it remained extremely rare for decades. Beginning in 1999, Bow began a slow but steady rise, and its popularity peaked in 2022. In 2025, Bow ranked 6,446th nationally with a frequency of about 1 in 131,390 births. The name's appeal likely stems from its modern sound and similarity to on-trend short names like Beau and Bo. Despite its sparse history, Bow's trajectory suggests a small but growing niche. Its top states are not yet concentrated regionally, indicating scattered use across the country.
Bow is a rare given name likely derived from the English surname Bow, which itself may be occupational for one who lives near a bow-shaped bend in a river or habitational from a place named Bow. It has also been used as a short form of names like Bowen. The name saw occasional use in the late 20th century but has recently gained modest popularity for boys in the United States, rising since 1999.
Sibling names for Bow
Names that share Bow's style, for a brother or sister.
