Baby Name of the Day: Bowie

The baby name Bowie combines an on-trend surname sound with the enduring cool of a rock icon.

Thanks to GC for suggesting our Baby Name of the Day.

WHAT DOES THE NAME BOWIE MEAN?

The baby name Bowie started out as a Scottish origin surname. Derived from a word meaning yellow, it was typically given to someone with light-colored hair.

Several other surnames sound like Bowie, including the Welsh-inspired Bowen and Bowman, an occupational surname once given to archers. 

The first syllable is typically pronounced like Bo and Beau, with a long O sound rhyming with row and mow.

In some cases, Bowie might rhyme with Louie and Dewey. That’s true for Bowie, Maryland, named after the state’s former governor, Oden Bowie.

But the legendary musician David Bowie makes the first version, rhyming with low, the most familiar.

BOWIE AS AN AMERICANA NAME

Born around the turn of the 19th century, James Bowie rose to notoriety in a duel. Jim was shot and stabbed, but still managed to kill his opponent with a knife.

It’s said that Bowie and his brothers all made various design improvements to a large knife used by hunters to butcher their game – hence, the term Bowie knife.

Jim moved to Texas in 1830 – back when it was part of Mexico. He married the vice governor’s daughter and joined the militia. By 1836, he was fought in the Texas Revolution, and was co-commander when General Santa Anna and his troops overtook the Alamo.

Jim, along with the rest of the Texans, died at the Alamo.

He remains a folk hero, but he’s not the best known Bowie. 

DAVID BOWIE

American frontiersman Jim Bowie takes second place to rock icon David Bowie.

Born David Robert Jones in London in 1947, the singer was forced to change his surname early in his career.

That’s because Davy Jones of The Monkees was well-established at the time.

Bowie borrowed his stage name from the knife.

His first UK hit came with Space Oddity in 1969, and he struck it big in the US with Fame in 1975. His sound evolved over the years, and he added acting to his repertoire – while still producing hit after hit, and being inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame.

As an actor, he’s played a goblin king in Labyrinth and Nikola Tesla in The Prestige. He’s also made cameos as himself in flicks like Zoolander.

In baby name circles, the singer was also known for calling his firstborn Zowie, though Zowie later re-named himself Duncan.

Among the most influential musicians of his generation, Bowie died in 2016.

Whether you’re a fan or not, you’ve inevitably heard his music.

THE RISE OF BEAU NAMES

Beyond the cultural significance of British musician David Bowie, this surname name could succeed on sound.

Beau names started trending around 2010, with the rise of Bodhi. 

Bo had been in use, sometimes as a gender-neutral name. But the last two decades have seen a number of Bo names rise in use, as well as Beau ranking in the Top 100 most popular names for boys in the US.

Names like Bowie and Boden lead naturally to the nickname Bo. 

That could open the door for the baby name Bowie.

ROCK STAR SURNAME NAMES

Beginning in the late 20th century, rock star surnames like Hendrix, Marley, and Lennon started to appeal to parents. 

Other places you might know the name run the gamut. 

• Lawyer Bowie Kuhn represented Major League Baseball during most of his career, serving as a commissioner beginning in 1968.
• Model Angie Bowie shaped the glam rock look of the 1970s – and yes, she’s David’s ex.
• Jazz musician Lester Bowie was known as an influential trumpet player and composer.
• Celebrities like actor Zoe Saldaña have used it for their children.
• Musicians Gwen Stefani and Gavin Rossdale named their youngest Apollo Bowie Flynn.
• Influencers Trav and Cor have a daughter named Bowie, a sister for Tydus and Ryatt.

HOW POPULAR IS THE BABY NAME BOWIE?

Nearly every English surname appears in the United States popularity data or census records occasionally.

The first time the baby name Bowie appeared in the US Social Security Administration data was 1920, with five boys. It surfaced again, in 1975, with eight boys receiving the name.

Following the singer’s 2016 death, the baby name Bowie rose dramatically. It appeared in the US popularity data in both 2018 and 2021.

More recently, Bowie has slid out of the popularity rankings. It was given to 167 boys and 98 girls in 2024.

In the United Kingdom, however, Bowie continues to rise in use, even if it remains fairly uncommon.

COOL, VERSATILE NAME

The baby name Bowie emerges as a cool, shape-shifting choice. It’s very Americana. But, especially in recent years, it’s tied to the iconic musician David Bowie. That lends it a smooth, creative boldness. 

But it’s practical, too – easily shortened to Bo and fitting right in with close friends like Bodie and Beau.

If you’re looking for an uncommon name that’s instantly familiar and blends plenty of contrasting influences, then Bowie might be the perfect choice for your family.

What do you think of baby name Bowie? 

First published on February 26, 2015, this post was revised substantially and re-posted on February 8, 2022 and January 13, 2026.