What does Bowie mean and where does it come from?
Bowie is of Scottish origin, derived from the surname 'Bowey', which comes from 'bow' meaning 'something rounded' or 'a hill'. The term can also refer to physical characteristics, such as being fair-haired or blond. Bowie gained prominence partly due to its association with the iconic musician David
Cultural significance
Bowie has been a cherished name across cultures, particularly in Scottish-speaking communities, where it reflects values of blond; fair-haired.
Peak popularity
Reached #1750 in 2020 — currently #1100 in the US.
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Related Reading
Scottish-origin baby names with timeless appeal
Browse names →What middle names flow best with Bowie?
Bowie works best with short, strong middle names — one or two syllables keep the full name from becoming a mouthful
Bowie Grace
Most popular combo · classic
Bowie Rose
Floral · soft ending
Bowie Mae
Sweet · timeless
Bowie Claire
French influence · crisp
Bowie Jane
Literary · strong
Bowie Skye
Modern · airy feel
How popular is Bowie right now?
Declining — down 8 spots — currently #1100 in the US out of 135.5k tracked names
| Year | US Rank | Births | vs Prior Year |
|---|
| 2023 | #1100 | 193 | ▼ down 8 · -3% births |
| 2022 | #1092 | 198 | ▼ down 141 · -16% births |
| 2021 | #951 | 237 | ▲ up 799 · +110% births |
| 2020 | #1750 | 113 | ▲ up 1846 · +163% births |
| 2015 | #3596 | 43 | ▲ up 3960 · +169% births |
| 2010 | #7556 | 16 | — |
The story of Bowie
Bowie is a relatively modern name, first appearing in US records in 2006. With 1,964 total births recorded, Bowie remains relatively uncommon. The name has grown more popular over time, rising from #7556 in 2010 to #1100 in 2023. Bowie is used for both genders: 35% female and 65% male.
Names that peaked alongside Bowie in 2020:
Bowie by decade
Bowie peaked in the 2020s. See all 2020s names →
| Decade | Births | |
|---|
| 1920s | 5 | |
| 1970s | 15 | |
| 1980s | 31 | |
| 1990s | 19 | |
| 2000s | 170 | |
| 2010s ★ | 1,437 | |
| 2020s | 287 | |
💎With 1,964 total births, Bowie is an uncommon but established name.
What are good nicknames for Bowie?
What names sound and feel like Bowie?
Based on sound, origin, and style — parents who love Bowie also consider these
Common questions about the name Bowie
What does the name Bowie mean?
Bowie means "blond; fair-haired" — a name rooted in Scottish tradition that carries both historical depth and timeless appeal. The meaning reflects values that have made this name endure across generations.
How popular is the name Bowie?
Bowie is currently a distinctive and less common name as a baby name in the US and is rapidly gaining popularity — searches for Bowie have increased significantly in recent years.
What is the cultural origin of Bowie?
Bowie originates from Scottish tradition. Scottish names tend to carry strong cultural heritage and have spread across the world through migration, literature, and religion over centuries.
How do you pronounce the name Bowie?
Bowie is a two-syllable name pronounced B OW1 IY0. The pronunciation is straightforward for English speakers, and the name reads clearly on paper — an important practical consideration for parents.
Is Bowie trending right now?
Bowie is currently on the rise — it has gained significant momentum in recent years as parents discover its appeal.