Bowerman

Bowerman is an English surname of occupational origin. The name derives from the Middle English word "bowere," meaning a "bower" or "chamber," and "man," denoting a person. The surname likely originally referred to someone who worked or lived in a bowery or chamber, such as a chamberlain.

The Bowerman surname is predominantly found in the southwest of England, particularly in the county of Devon. One of the earliest documented instances of the surname is in the 13th century in Devon.

Notable individuals bearing the surname Bowerman include Bill Bowerman (1911–1999), an American track and field coach and co-founder of Nike, Inc. Despite sharing a surname, the American Bowerman's lineage is distinct from the English heritage associated with the name.

Over time, variations of the Bowerman surname have emerged, such as Bowreman or Bourman. The name has been relatively uncommon compared to more widespread British surnames but still retains a distinctive historical significance within English genealogy and heritage.

In modern times, individuals with the surname Bowerman can be found across the United Kingdom and in various parts of the world, with pockets of descendants in regions influenced by English migration patterns.

There are approximately 1,472 people named Bowerman in the UK. That makes it roughly the 5,432nd most common surname in Britain. Around 23 in a million people in Britain are named Bowerman.

Surname type: Occupational name

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

  • Andrew
  • David
  • James
  • John
  • Mark
  • Michael
  • Paul
  • Peter
  • Richard
  • Stephen

Female

  • Elizabeth
  • Gillian
  • Helen
  • Joan
  • Joanna
  • Joyce
  • Kathleen
  • Margaret
  • Mary
  • Nicola
  • Samantha
  • Sarah
  • Susan

Similar and related surnames

Related and similar names are generated algorithmically based on the spelling, and may not necessarily share an etymology.

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