Bowen is an English surname of Welsh origin, derived from the elements "bow" meaning "bow" as in the weapon, and "yn" meaning "from". It was likely given to a person who lived near a bend or arch in a river, or perhaps someone who worked with bows or arrows. The name has been recorded since the 13th century and is most commonly found in Wales and England today. Some notable individuals with the surname Bowen include the American poet Ezra Pound (his mother's maiden name) and Welsh musician Jay Bowen of the Stereophonics.
The name Bowen has seen a steady increase in popularity over the past two decades, with a significant spike occurring around 2021, reaching its peak with 30 births that year. Prior to this, there was a consistent upward trend starting from 2009 onwards. The total number of births for the name Bowen between 2004 and 2023 is 258.