Small dwelling or messenger
Bowden is an English surname-turned-given-name with two primary etymological roots. It most commonly derives from the Old English words 'boda' meaning messenger and 'denu' meaning valley, or from 'bold' meaning a dwelling or house. It is also associated with several place names in England and Scotland.
Less common today
Bowden isn't in the latest US Top 1000. It last peaked at #1,947 in 2025.
Major League Baseball pitcher
College Football Hall of Fame player and coach
US births per 5-year period, 1990–present (SSA data).
