The name Fowler is of English origin and has a rich history dating back to the Middle Ages. It is derived from an occupational surname that was given to someone who worked as a fowler, which was another term for a bird catcher or a falconer during those times.
The role of a fowler was quite prestigious in medieval society, as they were responsible for catching and training birds for hunting purposes. These birds were often used by nobility for sport and food. The surname Fowler would have been given to someone who held this position, making it a sign of status and skill within their community.
Over time, the name Fowler has evolved and can now be found in various spellings such as Fowles, Fouler, and Fowell. Despite these variations, the origin and meaning of the name remain consistent: someone who was involved in the capture or care of birds.
Today, Fowler is still considered a unique and distinct name, but it's not as common as some other surnames. It continues to be associated with the historical role of fowler, carrying with it a sense of tradition and heritage from centuries past.
The name Fowler has seen a fluctuating pattern of popularity over the past century in the United States, with periods of high and low usage.
In the early 20th century, Fowler was given to an average of about 7 babies per year between 1915 and 1936. The highest number of births in this period was recorded in 1922, with 16 newborns named Fowler. However, from 1940 onwards, the popularity of the name started to decline significantly. Between 1940 and 1990, there were only five instances where more than five babies were given the name Fowler each year.
Interestingly, starting from 2015, the usage of the name Fowler began to increase again. In recent years, the number of births has risen steadily, with a total of 74 babies named Fowler between 2015 and 2023. The most popular year for the name in this period was 2021, with 14 newborns given the name Fowler.
Overall, since 1915, there have been a total of 254 births with the name Fowler recorded in the United States. This data shows that while Fowler may not be one of the most popular names, it has maintained a consistent presence over time and has seen renewed interest in recent years.