Rising since 1988, #266 for boys today.
Popularity of Bowen since 1913
Babies named Bowen per year in U.S. Social Security records.
Data table (by decade)
| Decade | Boys |
|---|---|
| 1910s | 32 |
| 1920s | 23 |
| 1930s | 20 |
| 1940s | 38 |
| 1950s | 54 |
| 1960s | 65 |
| 1970s | 93 |
| 1980s | 171 |
| 1990s | 545 |
| 2000s | 1,283 |
| 2010s | 5,066 |
| 2020s | 5,797 |
Meaning & origin
Bowen has been in use as a given name since at least 1913, but its real ascent began in the late 1980s. It has been consistently rising in popularity since 1988, reaching its peak rank of 266 in 2025, when approximately 1 in 1,322 boys received the name. The name is most popular in South Dakota, Idaho, and Mississippi, reflecting a broad appeal across the United States. Its Welsh origin and strong, straightforward sound align with modern preferences for surname-style names that feel both classic and fresh. Bowen shares stylistic similarities with names like Bennett, Rowan, and Elias, fitting comfortably alongside other patronymic and nature-inspired choices.
Bowen is an anglicized form of the Welsh patronymic surname ap Owain, meaning 'son of Owen.' The name Owain itself derives from the Latin Eugenius, meaning 'well-born' or 'noble.' Bowen emerged as a given name in the late 20th century, particularly in the United States, following the trend of using surnames as first names.
Where Bowen is most popular
Births per 100,000 boys by state. Press play or drag the slider to watch it move across the decades. The lightest shade means too few recorded births.
“Bowen” around the world
Where Bowen lands in the latest official birth statistics abroad, matched to the U.S. spelling.
Ireland
5
babies in 2025
New Zealand
13
babies in 2025
Sources: CSO Ireland (Ireland) · NZ Dept of Internal Affairs (New Zealand).
Nicknames & variants
Nicknames: Bo
Sibling names for Bowen
Names that share Bowen's style, for a brother or sister.
Names like Bowen
Names whose popularity has moved with Bowen's over the last 50 years.
