Bowman is a surname of English origin that comes from the occupational name for an archer or a fletcher, which was someone who made bows and arrows. The word "bowman" itself is derived from the Middle English word "boghman," which means "archer."
The surname Bowman has been in use since at least the 13th century, with early records showing its usage in England during this time period. It was often given to people who were skilled archers or who worked as fletchers.
Over time, the name Bowman has become associated with various notable individuals throughout history and popular culture. For example, it is the surname of the main character in the video game "Half-Life 2," Gordon Freeman, whose full name is Dr. Gordon Eric Bowman Freeman.
Today, Bowman is still a relatively uncommon surname, but it continues to be used as both a given name and a surname throughout various English-speaking countries around the world. It remains associated with its historical roots in archery and craftsmanship, and those who bear this name may feel a sense of pride in their connection to these traditions.
The name Bowman has seen a significant increase in popularity over the past few decades in the United States. According to the statistics provided, there were only 5 births with the name Bowman in 1884, and the number of annual births remained relatively low until the 1920s.
However, beginning in 1922, the number of births with the name Bowman started to increase more significantly, with 13 births recorded that year. This trend continued throughout the 1920s and 1930s, with fluctuations in the number of annual births ranging from 5 to 7 or 8 births per year.
The 1940s saw a further increase in the popularity of the name Bowman, with the number of annual births consistently ranging between 6 and 8. This trend continued into the 1950s, with some years seeing as many as 7 or 8 births.
However, it was not until the late 1990s that the name Bowman began to gain significant traction in popularity. In 1998, there were 12 births recorded with the name Bowman, and this number continued to rise throughout the early 2000s.
By the year 2004, there were 12 births recorded with the name Bowman, and this number has continued to increase in the years since. In fact, according to the statistics provided, there were 48 births recorded with the name Bowman in the United States in 2022 alone.
Overall, while the name Bowman may not have always been a popular choice for parents in the United States, it has seen a significant increase in popularity over the past few decades. With over 910 total births recorded with the name Bowman since 1884, it is clear that this name has become a beloved and enduring choice among American parents.