Bowser
A surname with more than one possible origin, most likely from an old French term of respect or from a related occupational nickname.
The #2,517 most common surname in the United States (2010 Census) — about 1 in every 21,466 Americans shares it.
Etymology
The surname Bowser has been explained in more than one way by historical surname writers. One line of explanation connects it with Old French forms such as beau sire or bel sire, meaning "fair sir" or "good sir," which could be used as a respectful form of address and later become a nickname. Another possible explanation links it to an occupational name, with some older sources glossing it as "the butcher," though this is less secure and may reflect confusion with related surnames.
History
Nineteenth- and early-twentieth-century surname books often grouped Bowser with variants such as Bewsher and Belcher, treating them as descendants of the same Old French respectful phrase. Other writers suggested a different source, sometimes tying it to occupational or place-name forms, so the surname’s history is not completely settled. The name appears in English records and later spread naturally through Britain and to North America.
Origin
Regions
Variant spellings
Fun fact
Several older surname books place Bowser alongside Belcher and Bewsher as variants of the same courtesy phrase, showing how easily a polite title could turn into a family name.
From the historical record
“(CO. Devon), 4. o. BowBhor, Bowser, Bewaher. — (1) Occup, 'the butcher': v. Bowcher, Botcher, &c, fa) Nick. O.F. Btau-siTt,' 'fair sir, an ad- dress of respect or courtesy ; cf. Bellamy, Bon amy, Belcher. 'Beau”
— A Dictionary of English and Welsh Surnames, with special American instances