Bowen

Son of Owen — a boy name of Welsh origin

GenderBoy
OriginWelsh
MeaningSon of Owen
PronunciationBOH-en

Popularity of Bowen in the United States

#266Rank in 2025
1,292Births in 2025
#266 in 2025Peak Popularity
↑ Rising10-Year Trend

Data: U.S. Social Security Administration (SSA). Based on all Social Security card applications for births in the United States.

Meaning & Origin of Bowen

Bowen is a Welsh patronymic surname meaning "son of Owen," from "ab Owain." It has long been common throughout Wales and England before its recent adoption as a given name in the United States. Actor and comedian Bowen Yang, a breakout star of Saturday Night Live, has brought fresh visibility to the name in contemporary pop culture.

Bowen Around the World

Bowen is used in 1 languages worldwide, with 2+ international variants.

Languages
English
Details

TypeUnisex name

International Variants
BowEnglish
BowyerEnglish

Linguistic data: Wikidata (CC0). Variants and language usage may vary by region.

Nicknames for Bowen

Bo

Famous People Named Bowen

  • Bowen Yang — American actor and comedian (Saturday Night Live)
  • Elizabeth Bowen — Irish novelist

Sibling Name Ideas for Bowen

Looking for names that pair well with Bowen? Here are some sibling name suggestions that share a similar style and feel.

Frequently Asked Questions

What does the name Bowen mean?

Bowen is a boy name of Welsh origin meaning "Son of Owen." Bowen is a Welsh patronymic surname meaning "son of Owen," from "ab Owain." It has long been common throughout Wales and England before its recent adoption as a given name in the United States.

How do you pronounce Bowen?

Bowen is pronounced BOH-en. Common variations include Bowyn, Boen.

Is Bowen a boy name?

Yes, Bowen is traditionally a boy name. Popular nicknames include Bo.

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