Meaning and origin
The last name Bowling originates from the Old English word "bwl" or "bulla," meaning "a rounded object." It likely referred to a person who made or used bowls, or possibly someone with a physical likeness to a bowl in some way. Over time, the name evolved to Bowling, and it became associated with families engaged in the pottery or woodwork trades. This etymology suggests a direct connection between the surname and the historical craft of creating various forms of bowls.
The longer story
The last name Bowling has an interesting history and etymology that traces back to various origins.
The surname Bowling has English roots and is primarily derived from the Old English word "boga," which means "bow." It is believed that the name originally referred to someone who made or used bows for archery. Throughout history, the skill of archery held great importance, making this a significant surname.
The name Bowling first appeared in written records during the 12th century, and its usage gradually spread across different regions of England. As the surname moved through generations, it underwent variations in spelling and pronunciation, resulting in different variants such as Bowlin, Bolling, Bolin, and Bowley.
Surname origins are rarely settled: one spelling can have several sources, and families often took a name for reasons nobody wrote down. Check it against the sources below before you rely on it.
#1,311
Bowling was the 1,311th most common surname in the 2010 US Census, with 26,762 people, about 8.7 in every 100,000.
Who carries it
Surnames like Bowling
Names it is linked with, then names with the same origin and a similar standing.
Check the sources
- Forebears: where Bowling is found around the world
- The Internet Surname Database: a second opinion on the origin
- US Census Bureau: the 2010 surname figures used here
For a name you are serious about, compare the dictionaries: Reaney and Wilson, A Dictionary of English Surnames; Hanks, Dictionary of American Family Names.