Noah Boy
NOH-uh
“rest, comfort” · Hebrew
#2
Bowen
BoyWelsh· “son of Owen”
- Meaning
- son of Owen
- Origin
- Welsh
- Pronunciation
- BOH-uhn
- Syllables
- 2
- US rank 2025
- #266
- US babies 2025
- 1,292
- Best rank
- #266 (2025)
- Peak year
- 2025
Meaning and origin of Bowen
Bowen is a Welsh name that means “son of Owen”.
Bowen comes from the Welsh surname ab Owain, meaning son of Owain. The Welsh ab or ap, son of, merged with the name to form Bowen, much as ap Hywel became Powell. Owain itself is an ancient Welsh name of uncertain meaning, sometimes linked with the Latin Eugenius, well born. As a first name Bowen is a modern American choice, part of the taste for surname names with a friendly sound. It feels outdoorsy and relaxed. Bo is an easy nickname.
Popularity over time
Bowen first appears in US Social Security records in 1913. It has ranked in the top 1,000 in 15 different years, starting in 2011. It is at its all-time high right now: 2025 brought both its best national rank, #266, and its highest count, 1,292 babies. Use has grown 132% in ten years.
Its national rank moved from #4,369 in 1920, #2,543 in 1980, #1,176 in 2000, #1,128 in 2010, and #266 in 2025. Of the 13,187 US boys named Bowen since records began, 44% were born in the 2020s, its biggest decade. The 2010s come next, with 5,066 babies.
Other boys' names that peaked around the same time include Saint, Bodhi, Koa, Kayson, and Bodie.
Where it is most popular (2025)
In 2025, Bowen ranked highest in Mississippi, Louisiana, and Idaho.
| State | Rank there | Babies |
|---|---|---|
| Mississippi | #126 | 25 |
| Louisiana | #127 | 39 |
| Idaho | #128 | 20 |
| South Dakota | #128 | 10 |
| Utah | #136 | 38 |
Gender, sound and spelling
About 97% of US babies named Bowen over the last 20 years were boys, with a small share of girls.
Bowen is usually pronounced BOH-uhn, with two syllables. It has five letters, starts with B and ends in “-en”.
Middle names for Bowen
A few middle names that flow with Bowen: each avoids a matching first letter, a rhyme and a vowel clash where the names meet.
Sibling names for Bowen
Similar names
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“possibly well born” · Welsh
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Lists that include Bowen
Frequently asked questions
What does the name Bowen mean?
Bowen is a Welsh name that means “son of Owen”.
What is the origin of the name Bowen?
Bowen has Welsh roots. Bowen comes from the Welsh surname ab Owain, meaning son of Owain.
Is Bowen a popular name?
Yes. Bowen ranked #266 in the US in 2025, which makes it in the top 1,000.
Is Bowen a boy or girl name?
Bowen is mainly a boy's name. About 97% of US babies named Bowen over the last 20 years were boys, with a small share of girls.
How do you pronounce Bowen?
Bowen is usually pronounced BOH-uhn. Stressed syllables are in capital letters.
Popularity figures come from US Social Security card applications (names given to at least five babies in a year, 1880 to 2025). How we source names and meanings