The Molstad post office opened in 1904 and was named for its postmaster, Olaf Molstad. After a CPR railway stop was established in 1905, the post office name was changed in 1907 to that of the station, “Bawlf.” Nicholas Bawlf (1849–1914) was president of the Northern Elevator Company, which was associated with the Winnipeg Grain Exchange. Bawlf was established as a village in 1906.