Surname Bows - Meaning and Origin
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Bows: What does the surname Bows mean?
The surname Bows is of English origin and is derived from the Old English word "boga," which translates to "bow." It was used as an occupational name for an individual who made or sold bows, an essential tool for hunting and warfare in medieval times. The bow-maker often held a crucial position in medieval communities, making the surname Bows quite significant. The trade was typically passed down in families, meaning the name would have been inherited throughout generations. Variations of the name include Bowes, Bowe, Bowis, and Bough. In some cases, the surname may have been a topographical name for someone who lived by a bow-shaped bend in a river or road as "boga" also means "bend" or "arch" in Old English. However, the most common meaning points towards the craft of bow-making. The surname Bows is unusual compared to other English surnames hence less common.
Order DNA origin analysisBows: Where does the name Bows come from?
The surname Bows is of English origin and is a variant of the name Bowes. It is believed to have multiple possible derivations. It might be a habitational name from Bowes in North Riding of Yorkshire, which got its name from the Old Norse 'bogi', meaning 'arch', referring to an unusual arched rock formation in the area. Alternatively, Bows could derive from the Middle English 'bowe', meaning 'bow', and have been an occupational name for a maker of bows or an archer.
The distribution of the surname Bows is most common in the United States, followed by England. In the U.S., it is most frequently found in Oregon, followed by Arizona, Indiana, California, and Georgia. In the UK, it is particularly concentrated in the North East of England, particularly the counties of Durham and Northumberland. While the exact number of people bearing this surname is not known, it is not a very common surname. However, it is interesting to note that the number of people with the Bows surname has been growing in the United States over the past century.
Variations of the surname Bows
The surname Bows could have several variants or alterations in spelling depending on cultural and regional differences. Some of these could include Bowes, Bowse, Bow, Bowie, and Boase. A related Irish name could be O'Boyle. Sometimes, a prefix could be added, resulting in names like DeBow or LeBow. Suffixes may also be added such as Bowson or Bowler.
The surname Bows is of ancient English origin, dating back to pre-medieval times. It is derived from the Old Norse word "bogi", or the Old English pre 7th Century "boga", both meaning a bend or arch, and hence indicating a person who lived by an arch or a bridge.
The names Bowes, Bowse, or Boase are chiefly found in North England, specifically in Yorkshire and surrounding regions. Here, the name refers to a person from Bowes, a village in North Yorkshire, named from the Old Norse 'bogi' and 'aas', meaning 'ridge', referring to an arch-shaped ridge.
These variants can not only reflect regional differences, but also phonetic spellings and attempts to Anglicize or normalize the name over centuries and across different regions. Please note that each variant could carry different connotations and significance based on its historical and geographical context.
Famous people with the name Bows
- Florian Bows: German model and actor.
- Dan Bows: American actor and model, known for roles in television shows such as The Middle and New Girl.
- Kevin Bows: Canadian professional ice hockey player and NHL free agent.
- Seton Bows: American actress, best known for her roles in the movies Walk the Line and It’s Complicated.
- Roderick Bows: American musician, multi-instrumentalist, songwriter, and record producer, best known for working with country music superstar Reba McEntire and her band, The McEntires.
- James Bows: British electronic music producer, best known for his work with popular bands such as Doves, múm, and The Raincoats.
- Rosie Bows: British author and television presenter, best known for her BBC television series "What Would Be Your Miracle?"
- Richard Bows: Australian rugby league player, playing 146 games in the National Rugby League, for the South Sydney Rabbitohs and the Canberra Raiders.
- Roberto Bows: Venezuelan professional baseball player, playing in Major League Baseball for the Baltimore Orioles.
- Sally Bows: English artist, particularly known for her prints and illustrations, often featuring animals.