Surname Bower - Meaning and Origin

A Glimpse into My Lineage: Tracing the Story of My Surname Bower Through iGENEA's DNA Test

Obtaining a DNA test from iGENEA offered an exciting ride into my paternal and maternal heritage. The technical precision of the test combined with the deep dive into the genealogical aspects of my surname Bower provided a condensed, yet vivid, history of my lineage.

B. Bower

Bower: What does the surname Bower mean?

The last name Bower is of Anglo-Saxon origin and has multiple meanings and connotations. Initially, it referred to an individual who dwelled in a secluded shelter or cottage, often surrounded by nature or trees. This derived from the Old English word 'bur,' meaning cottage or inner room. So, a "Bower" would be someone who resided in these structures in remote locations. In another context, it could also refer to a person who made or sold bows, items crucial for hunting and warfare in the medieval period. This sense would derive from the Old English word 'boga', meaning bow-maker or bowman. Overall, the surname reflects either a geographical heritage or a professional craft traced back to ancient periods. Its multiple meanings are indicative of the various trades, locations, and statuses held by our ancestors.

Bower: Where does the name Bower come from?

The surname Bower originates from Germany and is derived from the Middle High German word "būwe" meaning "peasant" or "neighbor." In some cases, it is an occupational name for a person who lived or worked in a small cottage, derived from Old English “bur” meaning small house or cottage. Also, the name could have derived from the term "bowe" which was used for a maker or dealer of bows, significant in the Middle Ages due to their use in hunting and warfare.

Today, the Bower surname is common in many English-speaking countries, particularly the United States, England, and Australia. According to the 2000 US Census, it was the 995th most common surname. There are also significant numbers of people with this surname in Canada, Scotland and Wales. Despite its German origins, it is not particularly common in modern Germany. Like many surnames, it has spread throughout the world due to immigration and colonization.

Variations of the surname Bower

The surname "Bower" is of English and Scottish origin. It comes from the Old English word "bur", meaning a small dwelling or shelter. In Scotland, it is used as an occupational name for a maker of bows.

Variants and modified spellings of the Bower surname include: Bowers, Bowyer, Bowyers, Bowe, Bow, Burr, Buhr, Boer, Boor, Bohr. It's not uncommon for surnames to have different spelling variations, often due to errors in transcription, different levels of literacy and regional variations in spelling conventions.

Surnames which may share the same origin with Bower include: Bowmaker, Bowman, and Bowmen, which are derived from similar occupational roots.

Please note that this list does not cover every single possible variant or spelling, and the connections between these names can be complex and wrapped up in broader social, linguistic, and historical trends. Tracing a family's genealogy often requires rigorous research across multiple sources.

Famous people with the name Bower

• Bruce Bower: Science journalist and author
• Trevor Bower: Former professional soccer player and coach
• Stan Bower: Former college athletics administrator
• Todd Bower: Professional motocross racer
• Bobby Bower: Former professional baseball player
• Bill Bower: American swimmer
• Billy Bower: Former Major League Baseball player
• John Bower: Former professional soccer player and manager
• Lena Bower: Professional golfer
• Brant Bower: Voice over artist
• Tyler Bower: Professional BMX rider
• J. Gordon Bower: American professor of psychology
• Kajal Bower: Indian film actress
• Darren Bower: Former professional soccer player
• Judy Bower: American singer and vocal coach
• Melanie Bower: German figure skater
• Elizabeth Bower: British jazz singer
• Sammie Bower: American author
• C.A. Bower: American circus performer
• Charlotte Bower: English actress

Other surnames

BoweBöweBowenBowenkerkBowensBowermanBowersBowes