Noah Boy
NOH-uh
“rest, comfort” · Hebrew
#2
Bo
BoyScandinavian, Old Norse· “to live, dwell (Scandinavian)”
- Meaning
- to live, dwell (Scandinavian)
- Origin
- Scandinavian, Old Norse
- Pronunciation
- BOH
- Syllables
- 1
- US rank 2025
- #449
- US babies 2025
- 698
- Best rank
- #449 (2025)
- Peak year
- 2025
Meaning and origin of Bo
Bo is a Scandinavian and Old Norse name that is usually said to mean “to live, dwell (Scandinavian)”.
Bo has several sources. In Scandinavia it is a traditional name from the Old Norse bua, "to live" or "to dwell", and it has long been used in Sweden and Denmark. In English-speaking countries it often began as a nickname, either for longer names such as Robert and Beauregard or from the French beau, "handsome". Famous bearers include the athlete Bo Jackson. Bo is short, warm and easygoing, with a relaxed charm. It works as a full name, a nickname or a middle name, and it fits well with longer surnames.
Popularity over time
Bo first appears in US Social Security records in 1907. It has ranked in the top 1,000 in 48 different years, starting in 1977. It is at its all-time high right now: 2025 brought both its best national rank, #449, and its highest count, 698 babies. Use has grown 61% in ten years.
Its national rank moved from #3,246 in 1920, #2,599 in 1950, #568 in 1980, #978 in 2000, #834 in 2010, and #449 in 2025. Of the 14,984 US boys named Bo since records began, 26% were born in the 2010s, its biggest decade. The 2020s come next, with 3,784 babies.
Other boys' names that peaked around the same time include Yusuf, Rome, Valentino, Sylas, and Jasai.
Where it is most popular (2025)
In 2025, Bo ranked highest in Montana, Utah, and South Dakota.
| State | Rank there | Babies |
|---|---|---|
| Montana | #176 | 7 |
| Utah | #193 | 28 |
| South Dakota | #194 | 7 |
| West Virginia | #202 | 9 |
| Tennessee | #218 | 41 |
Gender, sound and spelling
About 95% of US babies named Bo over the last 20 years were boys, with a small share of girls.
Bo is usually pronounced BOH, with one syllable. It has two letters, starts with B and ends in “-bo”. Names that sound the same but are spelled differently include Beau, Beaux, and Boe.
Middle names for Bo
A few middle names that flow with Bo: each avoids a matching first letter, a rhyme and a vowel clash where the names meet.
Sibling names for Bo
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Lists that include Bo
Frequently asked questions
What does the name Bo mean?
Bo is a Scandinavian and Old Norse name that is usually said to mean “to live, dwell (Scandinavian)”.
What is the origin of the name Bo?
Bo has Scandinavian, Old Norse, and English roots. Bo has several sources.
Is Bo a popular name?
Yes. Bo ranked #449 in the US in 2025, which makes it in the top 1,000.
Is Bo a boy or girl name?
Bo is mainly a boy's name. About 95% of US babies named Bo over the last 20 years were boys, with a small share of girls.
How do you pronounce Bo?
Bo is usually pronounced BOH. Stressed syllables are in capital letters.
Popularity figures come from US Social Security card applications (names given to at least five babies in a year, 1880 to 2025). How we source names and meanings