Surname Bow - Meaning and Origin
all surnames with 'B'
Bow: What does the surname Bow mean?
The last name Bow is of English and Scottish origin. Derived from the Old English word "boga" and the Old Norse word "bogi", both meaning "bend" or "arch", Bow was often given to individuals who lived near a distinctive bow-shaped feature, such as a bend in a road or river. Alternately, it could be an occupational name for someone who made or used bows, relating to archery. Over time, as surnames were standardized, it was reduced to "Bow". It is worth noting that it may also have been given to those who lived in various places named Bow in England. Bow, in Old English, can also mean "herdsman". Therefore, the surname could possibly refer to a collector of cattle or to a herdsman. Interestingly, Bow is also a surname in China. Like most Chinese surnames, its exact meanings and origins can be variable and complex. Surnames hold historical and cultural significance and can often provide insights into a family's past and their ancestral profession or location.
Order DNA origin analysisBow: Where does the name Bow come from?
The surname Bow originates from England. It was initially given to someone who lived near a bow-shaped hill, stream, or bridge, or to someone who was a skilled archer. The name is derived from the Old English word "boga," which means "bow."
During the Middle Ages, surnames were largely derived from occupation, location, or personal characteristics. In this case, the surname Bow could be attributed to both location and occupation. It was first found in Middlesex where they held a family seat from early times.
Today, the surname Bow is not overly common but can be found mainly in the United States, Canada, and the United Kingdom. However, in small numbers, it may be spread around the world due to migration. The spelling may vary, with forms including Bowe, Bough, Bowes, Bowers, and others. Despite its rarity, individuals with the surname may be found worldwide reflecting the spread of British colonialism and global migration patterns.
Variations of the surname Bow
The surname Bow has its origin from England and it has multiple variations, spellings, and other surnames that came from the same root. These alternative spellings often arose due to different regional accents and pronunciations or through clerical errors in record keeping.
Among its variants and surnames of the same origin, there are Bough, Bowe, Boh, Boe, Beau, Bowes, and Bowse. Sometimes, due to phonetic similarities, it can be confused with or changed to Bower or Bauer. These surnames are all variations of Bow and represent families that may share a common ancestry.
As per its meaning, the surname Bow and its variants could have two meanings. In one context, it was given to people who lived near a bow-shaped river bend or hill. On the other hand, it may have been an occupational name for a maker or seller of bows – a crucial instrument in hunting and warfare during the medieval period.
Therefore, when researching genealogical histories or conducting family tree searches, it could be worthwhile to look at not only 'Bow' but these various spellings and derivatives as well.
Famous people with the name Bow
- Clara Bow: an American actress noted as one of the most significant sex symbols of the Roaring Twenties era. Her role in "It" earned her the nickname "The IT Girl."
- Al Bow: a professional football player who was affiliated with the Akron Pros, a team in the National Football League.
- Devon Scott Bow: A film producer popularly known for producing the film 'Lightning Bugs in a Jar'.
- Erasmus Darwin Leavitt Bow (known commonly as R. Darwin Bow): A prominent Professor of Physics who has worked in well-reputed institutions like University of Wisconsin-Madison.
- Thomas Bow: A famous cricketer who played for the Nottinghamshire County Cricket Club in the late 1800s. Please note that "Bow" is not as common a surname as others, hence there are fewer notable people with this name. Also, some people might use variations or extensions of "Bow," such as "Bowman" or "Bowie," which could potentially include more notable people.