Rising since 1998, #1,942 for boys today.
Popularity of Bowden since 1976
Babies named Bowden per year in U.S. Social Security records.
Data table (by decade)
| Decade | Boys |
|---|---|
| 1970s | 5 |
| 1980s | 0 |
| 1990s | 6 |
| 2000s | 111 |
| 2010s | 245 |
| 2020s | 289 |
Meaning & origin
Bowden is a modern surname-style given name that first appeared in U.S. birth records in 1976. As of 2025, it ranked 1,942, with approximately 1 in 21,621 newborn boys receiving the name that year. The name has been on a rising trajectory since 1998, and its peak year so far is 2025. Geographically, it sees above-average use in South Dakota, Georgia, and Ohio. Bowden follows the contemporary trend of adopting English surnames as first names, similar to popular choices like Colton and Holden. Its soft, two-syllable sound and unpretentious feel appeal to parents seeking a name that is both familiar and uncommon. While lacking deep historical roots as a given name, Bowden carries a sense of grounded masculinity and understated charm.
Bowden is primarily a surname of English origin, derived from various place names. These place names come from Old English 'boga' (bow) and 'denu' (valley), meaning 'bow-shaped valley', or from 'boga' and 'dūn' (hill), meaning 'bow-shaped hill'. As a given name, Bowden is a modern adoption of the surname, following the trend of using family names as first names. It has been in occasional use since the late 20th century.
Where Bowden is most popular
Births per 100,000 boys by state, 2025. The lightest shade means too few recorded births.
Nicknames & variants
Nicknames: Bow, Denny
Variants: Bowdon
Sibling names for Bowden
Names that share Bowden's style, for a brother or sister.
