Bowie

Pronunciation: [ b-OH-ee ]

Boy Name #1,211 Most Popular Hidden Gem 2 Syllables

Named for the starman: bold, artistic, unforgettable

Scottish Irish American English

Bold Vintage Unique Artistic Cool

Meaning & Origin

"yellow-haired, blonde"

Origin: Scottish Gaelic

Language: English

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.

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

Famous People Named Bowie

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

Jim Bowie

Military

1796

American frontiersman and folk hero who died at the Battle of the Alamo in 1836, famous for the Bowie knife

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

Pairs Well With

Bowie James Bowie Lee Bowie Scott Bowie Ray Bowie Blake Bowie Ridge

Sibling Names

Ziggy Lennon Jagger Hendrix Lennox Quinn

Also a Girl Name

Bowie is also used as a girl name, ranked #2007.

View Bowie as a girl name →

Similar Names

Joe Jose Zoie Jody Noe Josey Jj Zoey

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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 common nicknames for Bowie?

Common nicknames for Bowie include Bo.

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.