Bowie

Pronunciation: [ b-OH-ee ]

Girl Name #2,007 Most Popular Hidden Gem 2 Syllables

A bold Scottish name carrying rock legend's legacy

Scottish American Australian English

Bold Modern Unique Vintage Artistic

Meaning & Origin

"blonde, yellow-haired"

Origin: Scottish Gaelic

Language: English

"fair one"

Origin: Scottish Gaelic

Language: Scottish

Things to Know About This Name

Strongly associated with musician David Bowie (died 2016); parents should consider this primary association

The Story of Bowie

Bowie is a Scottish surname derived from the Gaelic word 'buidhe,' meaning 'yellow' or 'blonde,' originally used as a nickname for someone with fair or golden hair. It became a prominent surname in Scotland and Ireland. As a given name, Bowie gained significant cultural currency after the rise of David Bowie as a global pop icon in the 1970s.

After David Bowie's death in January 2016, there was a notable spike in parents naming their children Bowie — particularly girls — as a tribute to the iconic rock star. The name has continued trending upward as parents seek musical and artistic surname names.

In Scotland, Bowie is a traditional clan surname. In global pop culture, David Bowie transformed the name into a symbol of artistic reinvention, androgyny, and creative brilliance. Jim Bowie, the American frontiersman and Alamo defender, adds a historical American Western dimension.

Fun Facts

David Bowie's son Zowie Bowie (now Duncan Jones) is a filmmaker
The Bowie knife is named after Jim Bowie, who popularized its use in the early 19th century
Baby Bowies spiked 34% in the month after David Bowie's death in 2016

Bowie in Other Languages

Irish Buidhe

French Bowie

Japanese ボウイ

Scottish Gaelic Buie

Famous People Named Bowie

David Bowie

Musician

1947

Legendary British rock musician, singer, and cultural icon known for personas like Ziggy Stardust; one of the best-selli...

Legendary British rock musician, singer, and cultural icon known for personas like Ziggy Stardust; one of the best-selling music artists of all time

Jim Bowie

Military

1796

American frontiersman and soldier famous for his role in the Battle of the Alamo in 1836 and the iconic Bowie knife

Quick Facts

Gender: Girl
Syllables: 2
Popularity Rank: #2,007
Total SSA Count: 98
Cultural Origins: Scottish American Australian English
Pronunciation: Easy
Formality: Casual
Cross-Cultural Ease: High

Common Nicknames

Pairs Well With

Bowie Jane Bowie Lux Bowie Leigh Bowie Rae Bowie Star Bowie Rose Bowie Lou

Sibling Names

Hendrix Lennon Jagger Ziggy Starling Quinn Rebel

Also a Boy Name

Bowie is also used as a boy name, ranked #1211.

View Bowie as a boy name →

Similar Names

Zoe Zadie Cloe Sofie Joie Joey Bowie Khloe

Playground Safety

Kid-Friendly

Can't decide?

Start a tournament bracket with Bowie and other names you're considering.

Start a Tournament

Like this name?

Check how Bowie sounds with your surname and test for potential nicknames.

Analyze This Name

Browse more girl names →

Explore More Generators

🧝 Fantasy Name Generator
Create names for D&D and RPG characters
🐾 Pet Name Generator
Find the perfect name for your furry friend
🎭 Character Name Generator
Names for fictional characters across genres

Frequently Asked Questions About Bowie

What does the name Bowie mean?

"blonde, yellow-haired" (from Scottish Gaelic). "fair one" (from Scottish Gaelic). Bowie is a Scottish surname derived from the Gaelic word 'buidhe,' meaning 'yellow' or 'blonde,' originally used as a nickname for someone with fair or golden hair. It became a prominent surname in Scotland and Ireland. As a given name, Bowie gained significant cultural currency after the rise of David Bowie as a global pop icon in the 1970s.

What is the origin of the name Bowie?

Bowie has Scottish Gaelic, Scottish, American, Australian, and English origins. In Scottish Gaelic, it means "blonde, yellow-haired". In Scottish Gaelic, it means "fair one".

Is Bowie a boy or girl name?

Bowie is used as both a girl and boy name. As a girl name, it is ranked #2007. As a boy name, it is ranked #1211. 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 #2007 in popularity for girl 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 Jane, Bowie Lux, Bowie Leigh, Bowie Rae, Bowie Star, Bowie Rose, and Bowie Lou.

What are good sibling names for Bowie?

Names that pair well with Bowie as siblings include Hendrix, Lennon, Jagger, Ziggy, Starling, Quinn, and Rebel.

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 #2007 in the US. Its rarity gives it a distinctive, memorable quality.

About the Name Bowie

Bowie is a girl name with Scottish, American, Australian, and English origins . The name means "blonde, yellow-haired" in Scottish Gaelic .

Is Bowie a boy or girl name? Bowie is used as both a girl and boy name. As a girl name, it ranks #2,007 in popularity. As a boy name, it ranks #1,211. Bowie is more commonly used as a boy name.

Bowie is currently ranked #2,007 in popularity for girl 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.