"yellow-haired, blonde"
Origin: Scottish Gaelic
Language: English
Bowie
Pronunciation: [ b-OH-ee ]
Does Bowie flow with your last name?
Named for the starman: bold, artistic, unforgettable
Scottish
Irish
American
English
Bold
Vintage
Unique
Artistic
Cool
Reviewed by the NamingEverything Editorial Team · Updated
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The Story of Bowie
Bowie is a Scottish and Irish surname derived from the Gaelic 'buidhe' (pronounced 'boo-ee' or 'bwee'), meaning 'yellow' — referring to yellow or blonde hair. It was used as a descriptive byname for fair-haired individuals in the Scottish Highlands and Ireland before becoming a hereditary surname. The name entered American history through Jim Bowie (1796-1836), the frontiersman and folk hero who died at the Battle of the Alamo and lent his name to the Bowie knife.
Bowie surged dramatically as a baby name following the death of David Bowie in January 2016. The legendary rock musician (born David Robert Jones) had used Bowie since 1966, transforming a regional surname into a global symbol of artistic genius. Parents today increasingly choose Bowie as a tribute to the icon.
David Bowie is widely considered one of the most influential artists in rock music history, revolutionizing glam rock, electronic music, and art rock. His alter egos (Ziggy Stardust, Aladdin Sane, the Thin White Duke) embodied fearless self-reinvention. As a given name, Bowie carries associations of creativity, individuality, and artistic courage.
Historical Record
Bowie first appeared in US Social Security records in 1975.
Over 2,065 babies have been named Bowie in the United States since SSA records began.
Today, Bowie is a hidden gem — rare but distinctive , currently ranked #1,211 for boy names in the US .
Fun Facts
- David Bowie sold an estimated 140 million records worldwide, making him one of the best-selling musicians in history
- Jim Bowie's Bowie knife — a large fixed-blade fighting knife — became one of the most iconic American frontier tools
- David Bowie's son Zowie Bowie (now known as filmmaker Duncan Jones) is named with the same -owie pattern
Bowie in Other Languages
Irish
Buí
French
Bowie
Spanish
Bowie
Scottish Gaelic
Buidhe
Popularity Over Time
#1,211
Current Rank
Rising
Trend
Hidden Gem
Based on SSA data 1880–present
Year-by-year popularity data will be available soon.
Famous People Named Bowie
D
David Bowie
Musician
1947
Legendary British rock icon known as Ziggy Stardust, who revolutionized glam rock and remains one of the most influentia...
Legendary British rock icon known as Ziggy Stardust, who revolutionized glam rock and remains one of the most influential artists in music history
J
Jim Bowie
Military
1796
American frontiersman and folk hero who died at the Battle of the Alamo in 1836, famous for the Bowie knife
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Compare Bowie with:
Quick Facts
- Gender
- Boy
- Syllables
- 2
- Popularity Rank
- #1,211
- Total SSA Count
- 167
- Cultural Origins
- Scottish Irish American English
- Pronunciation
- Easy
- Formality
- Casual
- Cross-Cultural Ease
- Moderate
Common Nicknames
Bo
Middle Name Ideas
Suggested pairings based on syllable flow and style
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Timeless choice, smooth 2-2 syllable flow
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Timeless choice, English heritage match, extended 2-3 combo
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Timeless choice, English heritage match, extended 2-3 combo
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Timeless choice, smooth 2-2 syllable flow
-
Timeless choice, smooth 2-2 syllable flow
-
Classic pairing, smooth 2-1 syllable flow
-
Timeless choice, American heritage match, extended 2-3 combo
-
Timeless choice, smooth 2-2 syllable flow
-
Timeless choice, English heritage match, extended 2-3 combo
-
Timeless choice, smooth 2-2 syllable flow
Middle Names
Middle Names for Bowie
6 name pairings with syllable flow tips
Sibling Names
Sibling Match
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Also a Girl Name
Bowie is also used as a girl name, ranked #2007.
View Bowie as a girl name →Similar Names
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Same Origin Names (Scottish)
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Greek origin
"birth, creation"
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Hebrew origin
"my messenger, my angel"
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Frequently Asked Questions About Bowie
What does the name Bowie mean?
"yellow-haired, blonde" (from Scottish Gaelic). Bowie is a Scottish and Irish surname derived from the Gaelic 'buidhe' (pronounced 'boo-ee' or 'bwee'), meaning 'yellow' — referring to yellow or blonde hair. It was used as a descriptive byname for fair-haired individuals in the Scottish Highlands and Ireland before becoming a hereditary surname. The name entered American history through Jim Bowie (1796-1836), the frontiersman and folk hero who died at the Battle of the Alamo and lent his name to the Bowie knife.
What is the origin of the name Bowie?
Bowie has Scottish Gaelic, Scottish, Irish, American, and English origins. In Scottish Gaelic, it means "yellow-haired, blonde".
Is Bowie a boy or girl name?
Bowie is used as both a boy and girl name. As a boy name, it is ranked #1211. As a girl name, it is ranked #2007. Bowie is more commonly used as a boy name.
How do you pronounce Bowie?
Bowie is pronounced b-OH-ee.
How popular is the name Bowie?
Bowie is currently ranked #1211 in popularity for boy names in the United States.
What are good middle names for Bowie?
Popular middle name pairings include Bowie James, Bowie Lee, Bowie Scott, Bowie Ray, Bowie Blake, and Bowie Ridge.
What are good sibling names for Bowie?
Names that pair well with Bowie as siblings include Ziggy, Lennon, Jagger, Hendrix, Lennox, and Quinn.
How many syllables does Bowie have?
Bowie has 2 syllables, making it easy to say and remember.
Is Bowie a common or rare name?
Bowie is an uncommon name, ranked #1211 in the US. Its rarity gives it a distinctive, memorable quality.
About the Name Bowie
Bowie is a boy name with Scottish, Irish, American, and English origins . The name means "yellow-haired, blonde" in Scottish Gaelic .
Is Bowie a boy or girl name? Bowie is used as both a boy and girl name. As a boy name, it ranks #1,211 in popularity. As a girl name, it ranks #2,007. Bowie is more commonly used as a boy name.
Bowie is currently ranked #1,211 in popularity for boy names in the United States.
The name Bowie has 2 syllables and is pronounced b-OH-ee, making it easy to pronounce and remember.
Common nicknames for Bowie include Bo. These shorter forms provide casual alternatives while keeping the elegance of the full name.
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Sources
- U.S. Social Security Administration — National Baby Names Data (popularity rankings and historical trends)
- Behind the Name (etymology and meaning research)
- NamingEverything editorial research and analysis