Bowen is a moderately popular boys' name in United States, ranking #481 in 2016 with 638 recorded births. The name reached its all-time peak in 2025 with 1,292 births ranking #266. Since 1996, the popularity has increased by 1,000.0%. In 2016, approximately 1 in every 2,974 boys born was named Bowen. RISING Recent data shows the name is currently rising.
Bowen is a Welsh surname name meaning "son of Owen". It has a calm, tailored sound and works well for parents who like surname names with real history behind them.
The name comes from a Welsh family-name tradition rather than from an ancient personal name of its own. Its modern use follows the wider popularity of polished patronymic surnames as first names.