BOW
Bow
Overview Bow is a surname of British origin with historical roots in England. It is a toponymic surname derived from various place names in England, such as Bow in London and Bowes in County Durham.
Etymology The surname Bow is derived from the Old English word "boga," meaning bow or arc. It is believed to have originated as an occupational name for a bowman or archer. Alternatively, it may have originated from the Old English word "boga," meaning bend or curve, and could have been used to describe a person who lived near a bow-shaped feature in the landscape.
Distribution The surname Bow is relatively uncommon and is primarily found in the United Kingdom. It has historical associations with regions such as London and County Durham, where the place names Bow and Bowes are located. Over time, individuals with the surname Bow may have migrated to other English-speaking countries, such as the United States, Canada, Australia, and New Zealand.
Famous Individuals Notable individuals with the surname Bow include:
- Frank Bow (1881–1963): British Olympic archer who competed in the 1908 London Olympics.
- Mary Bow (1913–2005): English actress known for her work in British films and television.
Variants Variants of the surname Bow may include Bowe, Bows, Bowles, and Bowie. These variations reflect the spelling adaptations that have occurred over time due to factors such as dialectal influences and clerical errors.
Legacy The surname Bow carries with it a legacy of English heritage and history. As a toponymic surname, it serves as a link to specific locations in England, reflecting the ancestral origins of individuals bearing this name. Today, the surname Bow continues to be passed down through generations, preserving a connection to the past and the traditions of England.
There are approximately 936 people named Bow in the UK. That makes it roughly the 7,752nd most common surname in Britain. Around 14 in a million people in Britain are named Bow.
Surname type: Location or geographical feature
Origin: English
Region of origin: British Isles
Country of origin: England
Religion of origin: Christian
Language of origin: English
Typical given names associated with the surname
Male
- Alan
- Andrew
- Christopher
- David
- Douglas
- James
- John
- Mark
- Michael
- Mike
- Paul
- Peter
- Robert
- William
Female
- Danella
- Elizabeth
- Helen
- Jane
- Janet
- Jean
- Margaret
- Mary
- Pamela
- Pauline
- Sarah
- Susan
- Valerie
Similar and related surnames
Related and similar names are generated algorithmically based on the spelling, and may not necessarily share an etymology.