Origin & Meaning of the Bowes Surname
What does the last name Bowes mean?
The surname Bowes carries the meaning "Son of Bowes." It is derived from the Spanish language and has been passed down through generations, reflecting the occupations, locations, or characteristics of early bearers of the name. With 4,967 bearers in the 2010 US Census, Bowes ranks as the #6,791 most common surname in the United States.
Where does the surname Bowes come from?
The Bowes surname has its roots in Spanish/Portuguese heritage. Names of Spanish/Portuguese 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 Bowes name far beyond its original homeland.
Language of Origin
The linguistic roots of Bowes trace back to Spanish. 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 | Bowes |
|---|---|
| Meaning | Son of Bowes |
| Origin | Spanish/Portuguese |
| Language | Spanish |
| US Rank (2010) | #6,791 |
| US Count (2010) | 4,967 |
| Per 100K People | 1.68 |
| First Letter | B |
Ethnic Distribution of Bowes
According to the US Census, the Bowes surname is distributed across the following ethnic groups. This data reflects self-reported ethnicity among 4,967 Americans with the Bowes last name.
| Ethnicity | Percentage |
|---|---|
| White | 89.15% |
| Black | 5.96% |
| Hispanic | 1.97% |
| Asian/Pacific Islander | 0.85% |
| Native American | 0.22% |
| Two or More Races | 1.85% |
Popularity of Bowes Over Time
Comparing US Census data from 2000 and 2010 shows how the Bowes surname has changed in prevalence.
The number of Americans with the Bowes surname increased by 120 between 2000 and 2010.
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Other Spanish/Portuguese Surnames
Explore more surnames with Spanish/Portuguese roots. There are 162,254 surnames in our database — here are some that share the same Spanish/Portuguese origin as Bowes.
Frequently Asked Questions About Bowes
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