Origin & Meaning of the Bower Surname
What does the last name Bower mean?
The surname Bower carries the meaning "One who does." It is derived from the Old English language and has been passed down through generations, reflecting the occupations, locations, or characteristics of early bearers of the name. With 21,445 bearers in the 2010 US Census, Bower ranks as the #1,682 most common surname in the United States.
Where does the surname Bower come from?
The Bower surname has its roots in English heritage. Names of English origin often reflect the cultural, linguistic, and historical traditions of the communities where they first appeared. Over centuries, migration and cultural exchange have spread the Bower name far beyond its original homeland.
Language of Origin
The linguistic roots of Bower trace back to Old English. Understanding the original language helps decode the meaning and evolution of the name from its earliest recorded forms to the modern spelling used today.
Quick Facts
| Surname | Bower |
|---|---|
| Meaning | One who does |
| Origin | English |
| Language | Old English |
| US Rank (2010) | #1,682 |
| US Count (2010) | 21,445 |
| Per 100K People | 7.27 |
| First Letter | B |
Ethnic Distribution of Bower
According to the US Census, the Bower surname is distributed across the following ethnic groups. This data reflects self-reported ethnicity among 21,445 Americans with the Bower last name.
| Ethnicity | Percentage |
|---|---|
| White | 93.85% |
| Black | 1.48% |
| Hispanic | 2.34% |
| Asian/Pacific Islander | 0.62% |
| Native American | 0.41% |
| Two or More Races | 1.3% |
Popularity of Bower Over Time
Comparing US Census data from 2000 and 2010 shows how the Bower surname has changed in prevalence.
The number of Americans with the Bower surname decreased by 260 between 2000 and 2010.
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Other English Surnames
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Frequently Asked Questions About Bower
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