Bowen Last Name Origin, History, and Meaning
Where did the surname Bowen come from? What does the surname Bowen mean? Discover the history and meaning of the last name Bowen and family migration on YourRoots Map.
Owen, Bowan, Bowens
Surname Bowen Origin: What does the last name Bowen mean?
Bowen is a Celtic surname with roots in Wales and Ireland, meaning "son of Owen" or "descendant of Bohan" respectively. The name has been traced back to the 11th century in Llwyngwair, near Nevern in Pembrokeshire. The Bowen lineage officially adopted the surname in 1424, with variations like Owen and Owens more common in northern and southern Wales.
YourRoots data shows that the Bowen surname has a long history, starting in Wales in the 14th century and spreading globally by the 16th century. Today, Bowen can be found in countries like the United States, United Kingdom, Australia, Canada, Ireland, New Zealand, South Africa, and Germany, showcasing its widespread presence across different regions and cultures.
Bowen Last Name History: Where did the last name Bowen come from?
Origin of Bowen Surname: Where does the last name Bowen originate from?
The surname Bowen first appears in the YourRoots database in records from Wales, United Kingdom around the start of the 14th century. This data is specific to the exact spelling "Bowen" and does not account for any other sources or variations of the surname.
History of the Last Name Bowen: What does the Bowen surname history look like in the early days?
The Bowen surname was initially closely tied to Wales in the United Kingdom, from the 14th through the 15th century. However, by the 16th century, the frequency of Bowen records began to grow significantly in the United States. The data from YourRoots also indicates that the Bowen family records then started appearing in other countries, suggesting a global spread over the centuries.
Global Spread: Where can we find the Bowen surname today?
From the 16th century onwards, the Bowen surname saw a substantial increase in the United States, surpassing its frequency in the United Kingdom. This trend continued into the 17th, 18th, and 19th centuries. Today, the Bowen surname is still prominent in the United States, and has spread globally. The surname Bowen is found in numerous countries worldwide, including but not limited to, the United Kingdom, United States, Australia, Canada, Ireland, New Zealand, South Africa, and Germany.
Explore Bowen last name heritage and Bowen surname origin based on YourRoots Map data

Famous People With Bowen Surame?
Julie Bowen
Julie Bowen (Julie Bowen Luetkemeyer; March 3, 1970) is an American actress best known for her role as Claire Dunphy in the ABC sitcom Modern Family. She won two Primetime Emmy Awards for her performance. Bowen has also appeared in films like Happy Gilmore and Horrible Bosses.
Andrea Bowen
Andrea Lauren Bowen (Mar 4, 1990) is an American actress known for her role as Julie Mayer on the hit TV series Desperate Housewives. She also appeared in Broadway musicals like Les Misérables and The Sound of Music.
Clare Bowen
Clare Maree Bowen (born May 12, 1984) is an Australian actress, singer, and dancer best known for her role as Scarlett O'Connor in the musical-drama series Nashville. She also records music with her husband as Bowen*Young and released a solo album in 2018.
Emanuel Bowen
Emanuel Bowen (1694 - 8 May 1767) was a Welsh map engraver known for creating detailed and accurate maps during his time. He served as Royal Mapmaker to both King George II of Great Britain and Louis XV of France. Bowen's work was highly regarded and he trained many other prominent cartographers of his era.
Sherfield Bowen
Sherfield Bowen (born 1959) is an Antiguan politician known for his role as the deputy leader of the United Progressive Party. He served as a Member of Parliament and Deputy Speaker of the House. Despite a past conviction, Bowen continues to be active in politics.
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