Bo Name Meaning

Helen Doanna

By Helen Doanna

Lastest Updated July 9, 2024
Home » Baby Names » Bo Name Meaning

Fact: In Danish, the name Bo has a cowboy appeal to it, while in Chinese, Bo refers to “waves”.

Continue Reading…
A Deep Dive

Bo Overview

Meaning

To live

Gender

Boy, Gender-neutral

Origin

Norse

Etymology

Derived from Old Norse “Búi,” meaning “to live”.

Religion

Christianity

Pronunciation

/boʊ/

Popularity

Bo is used globally, including in Scandinavian, Chinese, and Western cultures. In 2023, Bo ranked #478 for boys in the USA​.

Syllable

1 syllable

Length

2 letters

Numerology

8 (Practical, Ambitious, Materialistic)

Name Styles

Short, Cool, Uncommon

Associated Traits

Authoritative, powerful, tough, tenacious

Name Day

May 23 (Sweden), March 20th
A Deep Dive

Bo Variations in Different Cultures

Popular Variations

Bosse, Beaufort, Beauregard, Bonnie, Bonita, Robert, James, Boe, Beau, Bode

Common Nicknames

Bobo, Boo, Boey, Bo-Bo, Boz, Bojo, B, Bozie, Bozzy, Boonie

Diminutives

Boey, Bo-Bo, Bozzy, Boonie

Famous People

  • Bo Burnham
    (American Comedian)
  • Bo Jackson
    (American Athlete)
  • Bo Derek
    (American Actress)
  • Bo Bichette
    (American Baseball Player)
  • Bo Diddley
    (American Musician)

Pop Culture Icons and Works

  • Bo Peep
    ("Toy Story," Film Series)
  • Bo Duke
    ("The Dukes of Hazzard," TV Series)
  • Bo Dennis
    ("Lost Girl," TV Series)

Places

  • Bo City
    (Southern, Sierra Leone)
  • Bo Town
    (Central African Republic)

What Is the Meaning of Bo?

Bo means “to live” and carries a sense of vitality and fluidity.

What Is the Origin of The Name Bo?

The name Bo has a Norse origin, offering a simple calling.

Bo Name Popularity

Popularity Chart of the Name Bo in the U.S. over the Years

United States flagUnited States#4802021#4972022#4782023
Top 3 Rankings#4782023#4802021#4972022

Annual Statistics Breakdown for Bo

YearName RankingNumber of BirthsBirth Rate (%)
2023478
(+19 from 2022)
630
(+17 from 2022)
0.03440
2022497
(-17 from 2021)
613
(-7 from 2021)
0.03273
2021480
(+57 from 2020)
620
(+95 from 2020)
0.03309
2020537
(+29 from 2019)
525
(+32 from 2019)
0.02838
2019566
(+4 from 2018)
493
(+10 from 2018)
0.02565
2018570
(+39 from 2017)
483
(+51 from 2017)
0.02485
2017609
(-14 from 2016)
432
(-21 from 2016)
0.02183
2016595
(+23 from 2015)
453
(+19 from 2015)
0.02236
2015618
(+17 from 2014)
434
(+21 from 2014)
0.02123
2014635
(+97 from 2013)
413
(+95 from 2013)
0.02015
2013732
(+49 from 2012)
318
(+28 from 2012)
0.01574
2012781
(-17 from 2011)
290
(-3 from 2011)
0.01429
2011764
(+70 from 2010)
293
(+37 from 2010)
0.01442
2010834
(-50 from 2009)
256
(-33 from 2009)
0.01246
2009784
(+51 from 2008)
289
(+28 from 2008)
0.01363
2008835
(-68 from 2007)
261
(-25 from 2007)
0.01197
2007767
(+8 from 2006)
286
(+18 from 2006)
0.01291
2006775
(-11 from 2005)
268
(+9 from 2005)
0.01222
2005764
(+98 from 2004)
259
(+55 from 2004)
0.01217
2004862
(+47 from 2003)
204
(+21 from 2003)
0.00965
2003909
(+79 from 2002)
183
(+24 from 2002)
0.00871
2002988
(-30 from 2001)
159
(-1 from 2001)
0.00769
2001958
(+19 from 2000)
160
(+8 from 2000)
0.00774
2000977
(-151 from 1999)
152
(-33 from 1999)
0.00728
1999826
(+7 from 1998)
185
(+9 from 1998)
0.00907
1998833
(+67 from 1997)
176
(+23 from 1997)
0.00868
1997900
(-131 from 1996)
153
(-38 from 1996)
0.00766
1996769
(+44 from 1995)
191
(+18 from 1995)
0.00953
1995813
(-56 from 1994)
173
(-20 from 1994)
0.00860
1994757
(-80 from 1993)
193
(-36 from 1993)
0.00947
1993677
(-56 from 1992)
229
(-47 from 1992)
0.01109
1992621
(-16 from 1991)
276
(-6 from 1991)
0.01315
1991605
(-3 from 1990)
282
(+5 from 1990)
0.01330
1990602
(+78 from 1989)
277
(+62 from 1989)
0.01287
1989680
(+33 from 1988)
215
(+43 from 1988)
0.01026
1988713
(-42 from 1987)
172
(-14 from 1987)
0.00859
1987671
(+13 from 1986)
186
(+12 from 1986)
0.00954
1986684
(+31 from 1985)
174
(+21 from 1985)
0.00905
1985715
(-116 from 1984)
153
(-48 from 1984)
0.00795
1984599
(+136 from 1983)
201
(+63 from 1983)
0.01071
1983735
(-52 from 1982)
138
(-22 from 1982)
0.00741
1982683
(-134 from 1981)
160
(-78 from 1981)
0.00848
1981549
(+19 from 1980)
238
(+6 from 1980)
0.01278
1980568
(+296 from 1979)
232
(+131 from 1979)
0.01251
1979864
(+147 from 1978)
101
(+28 from 1978)
0.00564
19781011
(-36 from 1977)
73
(-4 from 1977)
0.00427
1977975
(+124 from 1976)
77
(+18 from 1976)
0.00450
19761099
(+82 from 1975)
59
(+8 from 1975)
0.00361
19751181
(+62 from 1974)
51
(+6 from 1974)
0.00314
19741243
(-80 from 1973)
45
(-5 from 1973)
0.00276
19731163
No change from 1972
50
(+1 from 1972)
0.00310
19721163
(+253 from 1971)
49
(+13 from 1971)
0.00293
19711416
(+327 from 1970)
36
(+11 from 1970)
0.00198
19701743
(-251 from 1969)
25
(-4 from 1969)
0.00131
19691492
(+82 from 1968)
29
(+4 from 1968)
0.00159
19681574
(+78 from 1967)
25
(+3 from 1967)
0.00141
19671652
(-168 from 1966)
22
(-5 from 1966)
0.00124
19661484
(+372 from 1965)
27
(+9 from 1965)
0.00149
19651856
(-200 from 1964)
18
(-5 from 1964)
0.00095
19641656
(-281 from 1963)
23
(-9 from 1963)
0.00113
19631375
(+172 from 1962)
32
(+6 from 1962)
0.00155
19621547
(-54 from 1961)
26
(-3 from 1961)
0.00124
19611493
(+60 from 1960)
29
(+2 from 1960)
0.00134
19601553
(+67 from 1959)
27
(+3 from 1959)
0.00125
19591620
(+103 from 1958)
24
(+3 from 1958)
0.00111
19581723
(+652 from 1957)
21
(+9 from 1957)
0.00097
19572375
(-15 from 1956)
12
No change from 1956
0.00055
19562360
(+200 from 1955)
12
(+2 from 1955)
0.00056
19552560
(-446 from 1954)
10
(-4 from 1954)
0.00048
19542114
(-76 from 1953)
14
(-1 from 1953)
0.00068
19532038
(+115 from 1952)
15
(+2 from 1952)
0.00075
19522153
(+342 from 1951)
13
(+3 from 1951)
0.00066
19512495
(+85 from 1950)
10
(+1 from 1950)
0.00052
19502580
(-559 from 1949)
9
(-5 from 1949)
0.00049
19492021
(+422 from 1948)
14
(+4 from 1948)
0.00078
19482443
(+419 from 1947)
10
(+2 from 1947)
0.00056
19472862
(+133 from 1945)
8
(+2 from 1945)
0.00043
19460
No SSA data
0
No SSA data
0.0000
19452995
(-362 from 1944)
6
(-2 from 1944)
0.00044
19442633
(+827 from 1940)
8
(+3 from 1940)
0.00058
19430
No SSA data
0
No SSA data
0.0000
19420
No SSA data
0
No SSA data
0.0000
19410
No SSA data
0
No SSA data
0.0000
19403460
(+89 from 1936)
5
No change from 1936
0.00042
19390
No SSA data
0
No SSA data
0.0000
19380
No SSA data
0
No SSA data
0.0000
19370
No SSA data
0
No SSA data
0.0000
19363549
(+96 from 1935)
5
No change from 1935
0.00047
19353645
(-284 from 1932)
5
(-1 from 1932)
0.00047
19340
No SSA data
0
No SSA data
0.0000
19330
No SSA data
0
No SSA data
0.0000
19323361
(-339 from 1930)
6
(-2 from 1930)
0.00056
19310
No SSA data
0
No SSA data
0.0000
19303022
(-110 from 1927)
8
(-1 from 1927)
0.00071
19290
No SSA data
0
No SSA data
0.0000
19280
No SSA data
0
No SSA data
0.0000
19272912
(+24 from 1925)
9
No change from 1925
0.00077
19260
No SSA data
0
No SSA data
0.0000
19252936
(+1303 from 1923)
9
(+4 from 1923)
0.00078
19240
No SSA data
0
No SSA data
0.0000
19234239
(+68 from 1922)
5
No change from 1922
0.00044
19224307
(-438 from 1921)
5
(-1 from 1921)
0.00044
19213869
(-661 from 1920)
6
(-2 from 1920)
0.00053
19203208
(+528 from 1919)
8
(+2 from 1919)
0.00073
19193736
(-368 from 1918)
6
(-1 from 1918)
0.00059
19183368
(-825 from 1916)
7
(-3 from 1916)
0.00067
19170
No SSA data
0
No SSA data
0.0000
19162543
(-1198 from 1907)
10
(+5 from 1907)
0.00108
19150
No SSA data
0
No SSA data
0.0000
19140
No SSA data
0
No SSA data
0.0000
19130
No SSA data
0
No SSA data
0.0000
19120
No SSA data
0
No SSA data
0.0000
19110
No SSA data
0
No SSA data
0.0000
19100
No SSA data
0
No SSA data
0.0000
19090
No SSA data
0
No SSA data
0.0000
19080
No SSA data
0
No SSA data
0.0000
19071345
First SSA data recorded
5
First SSA data recorded
0.00315
19060
No SSA data
0
No SSA data
0.0000
19050
No SSA data
0
No SSA data
0.0000
19040
No SSA data
0
No SSA data
0.0000
19030
No SSA data
0
No SSA data
0.0000
19020
No SSA data
0
No SSA data
0.0000
19010
No SSA data
0
No SSA data
0.0000
19000
No SSA data
0
No SSA data
0.0000
18990
No SSA data
0
No SSA data
0.0000
18980
No SSA data
0
No SSA data
0.0000
18970
No SSA data
0
No SSA data
0.0000
18960
No SSA data
0
No SSA data
0.0000
18950
No SSA data
0
No SSA data
0.0000
18940
No SSA data
0
No SSA data
0.0000
18930
No SSA data
0
No SSA data
0.0000
18920
No SSA data
0
No SSA data
0.0000
18910
No SSA data
0
No SSA data
0.0000
18900
No SSA data
0
No SSA data
0.0000
18890
No SSA data
0
No SSA data
0.0000
18880
No SSA data
0
No SSA data
0.0000
18870
No SSA data
0
No SSA data
0.0000
18860
No SSA data
0
No SSA data
0.0000
18850
No SSA data
0
No SSA data
0.0000
18840
No SSA data
0
No SSA data
0.0000
18830
No SSA data
0
No SSA data
0.0000
18820
No SSA data
0
No SSA data
0.0000
18810
No SSA data
0
No SSA data
0.0000
18800
No SSA data
0
No SSA data
0.0000

American States Popularity Rankings for Bo

(From the Most to Least Popular, Based on Number of Births )

Texas (TX)

Texas (TX) flagTexas (TX)#5142021#6352022#7562023

California (CA)

California (CA) flagCalifornia (CA)#6632021#6952022#8582023

Ohio (OH)

Ohio (OH) flagOhio (OH)#3802021#3712022#2902023

Tennessee (TN)

Tennessee (TN) flagTennessee (TN)#3262021#2802022#2932023

Indiana (IN)

Indiana (IN) flagIndiana (IN)#2712021#3702022#3432023

Washington (WA)

Washington (WA) flagWashington (WA)#5932021#4302022#3282023

Illinois (IL)

Illinois (IL) flagIllinois (IL)#5352021#5002022#4652023

Georgia (GA)

Georgia (GA) flagGeorgia (GA)#4912021#4672022#5872023

Florida (FL)

Florida (FL) flagFlorida (FL)#7792021#6832022#6872023

Pennsylvania (PA)

Pennsylvania (PA) flagPennsylvania (PA)#3892021#4902022#4492023

Michigan (MI)

Michigan (MI) flagMichigan (MI)#5332021#5322022#5302023

Wisconsin (WI)

Wisconsin (WI) flagWisconsin (WI)#4562021#4662022#3502023

Missouri (MO)

Missouri (MO) flagMissouri (MO)#3162021#3182022#3802023

Minnesota (MN)

Minnesota (MN) flagMinnesota (MN)#3782021#2892022#3392023

Oklahoma (OK)

Oklahoma (OK) flagOklahoma (OK)#2552021#4622022#3972023

Utah (UT)

Utah (UT) flagUtah (UT)#3642021#3152022#2962023

Iowa (IA)

Iowa (IA) flagIowa (IA)#1962021#3102022#2342023

Arkansas (AR)

Arkansas (AR) flagArkansas (AR)#2712021#3182022#2012023

Kansas (KS)

Kansas (KS) flagKansas (KS)#2362021#2342022#2602023

Colorado (CO)

Colorado (CO) flagColorado (CO)#4892021#5182022#2762023

Alabama (AL)

Alabama (AL) flagAlabama (AL)#3012021#2682022#3382023

Oregon (OR)

Oregon (OR) flagOregon (OR)#3092021#3262022#2122023

Kentucky (KY)

Kentucky (KY) flagKentucky (KY)#3262021#3042022#3452023

New York (NY)

New York (NY) flagNew York (NY)#7902021#8852022#7662023

Arizona (AZ)

Arizona (AZ) flagArizona (AZ)#5622021#4472022#5382023

North Carolina (NC)

North Carolina (NC) flagNorth Carolina (NC)#8722021#7662022#5592023

Nebraska (NE)

Nebraska (NE) flagNebraska (NE)#3782021#2532022#1972023

Mississippi (MS)

Mississippi (MS) flagMississippi (MS)#2662021#2952022#4202023

Idaho (ID)

Idaho (ID) flagIdaho (ID)#2792021#1562022#2292023

Virginia (VA)

Virginia (VA) flagVirginia (VA)#5772021#6762022#5472023

Louisiana (LA)

Louisiana (LA) flagLouisiana (LA)#6932007#6972009#7202023

Montana (MT)

Montana (MT) flagMontana (MT)#2212016#1502021#1962023

South Dakota (SD)

South Dakota (SD) flagSouth Dakota (SD)#2482019#2152021#2492023

West Virginia (WV)

West Virginia (WV) flagWest Virginia (WV)#3102020#3362022#3432023

Maryland (MD)

Maryland (MD) flagMaryland (MD)#7182021#7332022#7052023

Massachusetts (MA)

Massachusetts (MA) flagMassachusetts (MA)#7562021#6882022#5542023

North Dakota (ND)

North Dakota (ND) flagNorth Dakota (ND)#2232016#2542017#2332020

South Carolina (SC)

South Carolina (SC) flagSouth Carolina (SC)#6902019#7072021#5302023

New Mexico (NM)

New Mexico (NM) flagNew Mexico (NM)#2951981#3651992#3681998

Nevada (NV)

Nevada (NV) flagNevada (NV)#5172018

Connecticut (CT)

Connecticut (CT) flagConnecticut (CT)#5132022

New Jersey (NJ)

New Jersey (NJ) flagNew Jersey (NJ)#10632022

Maine (ME)

Maine (ME) flagMaine (ME)#2372022

Popularity Rankings for Bo in other Countries and American Territories

(From the Most to Least Popular, Based on Rankings)

Popularity in Greenland

Greenland flagGreenland#532019#502020#302021

Popularity in Sweden

Sweden flagSweden#1042022#1092023

Popularity in Norway

Norway flagNorway#1502021#1732022#1552023

Popularity in Canada

Canada flagCanada#3642021#2922022#2342023

Popularity in Germany

Germany flagGermany#3772021#3492022#3792023

Popularity in New Zealand

New Zealand flagNew Zealand#4552016

Popularity in Scotland

Scotland flagScotland#4822010

Popularity in Ireland

Ireland flagIreland#7552021#6572022#6602023

Popularity in Quebec, Canada

Quebec, Canada flagQuebec, Canada#6812020#7992021#9442022

Source: Social Security Administration (SSA) and Other National Sources

Is Bo a Name for Boys or Girls?

The name Bo fits well for boys due to its strong, straightforward sound.

Variants, Nicknames, Diminutives, and Ideal Middle Names for Bo

Bo in Famous People Names, Pop Culture, and Places

  • Bo Burnham (Comedian, 1990): An American comedian, musician, and filmmaker known for his Netflix special "Inside."
  • Bo Jackson (Athlete, 1962): An iconic American athlete famous for his careers in both Major League Baseball and the NFL.
  • Bo Derek (Actress, 1956): An American actress and model best known for her role in the film "10."
  • Bo Bichette (Baseball Player, 1998): An American professional baseball shortstop for the Toronto Blue Jays.
  • Bo Diddley (Musician, 1928-2008): A pioneering American rock and roll singer and guitarist known for his distinctive beat.
  • Bo Peep ("Toy Story," 1995 Film Series): A porcelain figurine turned leader who reunites lost toys with their owners.
  • Bo Duke ("The Dukes of Hazzard," 1979 TV Series): One of the Duke boys who fights injustice in Hazzard County.
  • Bo Dennis ("Lost Girl," 2010 TV Series): A succubus who fights evil while searching for the truth about her origins.
  • Bo City (Southern, Sierra Leone): A bustling city in southern Sierra Leone, known for its educational institutions and vibrant markets.
  • Bo Town (Central African Republic): A town in the Ouham-Pende region, known for its agricultural activities and local commerce.

Similar Names to Bo

Sibling Names for Bo

Parents Who Like the Name Bo Also Like

Don’t forget to spread the word about the name Bo. Comment to let everyone know what you think about Bo as a name for boys.
Helen Doanna

Helen Doanna

Editor in Chief, Educational Specialist, and Senior Content Creator

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Child Development Specialist, Child-care Coordinator, Family Support Specialist, Content Writer, Communications Specialist, Educational Consultant, STEAM Teacher

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1. University of Social Science and Humanity, Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam

  • Program: Bachelor’s degree in Faculty of Literature and Journalism
  • Focus: In-depth knowledge of Literature, knowledge and skills to perceive, create literature or work in related fields; Basic knowledge of communications.

2. University of Social Science and Humanity, Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam

  • Program: Bachelor’s degree in Education Faculty
  • Focus: Core knowledge of social sciences and humanities – the root for the development of progressive values of education, Multicultural communication in education, Contemporary education in the context of globalization, Learning in the digital technology era, Basic issues of STEAM education, Classroom Management, Special education.

3. Oregon State University, Oregan, US

  • Program: Bachelor’s degree in Faculty of Human Development and Family Sciences – Child Development
  • Focus: Different stages of development, from infancy to adulthood; Develop a strong foundation for a career in early childhood programs or classrooms; Learn strategies for supporting young children’s development in early childhood settings.
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Helen is an experienced educational specialist and content creator, known for her innovative approach to children’s learning. With a background in literature and child development, she composes engaging educational content for SimpleKids.net. Her work emphasizes creativity, engagement, and simplicity, aiming to make learning enjoyable and accessible for children and their families.

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