Bow

♂ Boy

Pronounced BOH /ˈboʊ/High

Meaning: A short modern name, variously a short form of Bowen/Bodhi and the word bow (as in a bow and arrow, or a knot of ribbon); routes layeredLow

In 30 seconds: A short modern name; a Bowen/Bodhi short form: Bow. Crisp, modern, and warm.

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Origin LowAmerican

MeaningA short modern name, variously a short form of Bowen/Bodhi and the word bow (as in a bow and arrow, or a knot of ribbon); routes layered

U.S. rank (2024)#7293 ↘ Falling

2024 U.S. births11 boys (0.00% of U.S. boys)

Peak year2022

Total births (all-time)≈ 247

Popularity in the U.S. · SSA data

U.S. births per year (Social Security Administration, 1880–present). Pink marker = peak year.

SSA data updated May 2026. How we source & verify this data.

History & Origin

Bow is a short modern name, variously a short form of Bowen/Bodhi and the word bow (as in a bow and arrow, or a knot of ribbon; routes layered, which we note). A crisp, modern name (said 'BOH').

It registers thinly in records. Rare, a-short-name, and modern.

Did you know? Bow is a short modern name, variously a short form of Bowen/Bodhi and the word bow — a crisp, modern name (the routes are layered, which we note; said 'BOH').

Overall data confidence 30%

U.S. Social Security Administration name files — routes layered

Variations

BeauBoBowe

Nicknames

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Famous Bearers

Famous bearers coming soon.

If you like Bow…

Beau— a sound-neighbor 'handsome' boys' name

Bo— a kin short spelling

Bowen— a name it shortens

Bode— a fellow short Bo- boys' name

Explore names like Bow

By themeuncertain english american word-name

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Frequently Asked

What does the name Bow mean?

Bow is a short modern name, variously a form of Bowen/Bodhi and the word bow; the routes are layered.

How do you pronounce Bow?

It's said BOH /ˈboʊ/ — one syllable.

Is Bow a boy or girl name?

Bow is used here as a boy's name.

How popular is Bow?

Bow is a very rare name in the U.S.