Bo Name: Complete Etymology, Meaning & Popularity Analysis
Summary
The name Bo originates from Chinese, meaning 'wave' or 'precious'. It has evolved through various languages and cultures, including Old Norse. The name conveys traits of strength and simplicity, with no biblical relevance. It has seen a rise in popularity in recent decades.
The name Bo is most popular in Utah, USA across all generations. It ranks highest as a Boy name among the Generation Alpha generation in the MidWest region. Recent 3-year trends show this Boy name is gaining popularity, while the 25-year trend indicates it has been relatively stable. Recent 3-year trends show this Girl name is maintaining steady popularity, while the 25-year trend indicates it has been relatively stable. From 2020-2022, Bo has been stalled for male in MidWest, stalled for male in Northeast, too falling for male in South, stalled for female in South, too falling for male in West, stalled for female in West. The long-term 25-year analysis reveals it has been stalled for male in MidWest, stalled for male in Northeast, stalled for male in South, stalled for female in South, stalled for male in West, stalled for female in West. Across generations, 'Bo' has shown interesting popularity patterns: Among the G.I. Generation (1901-1927), it ranked 3850th out of 7545 names. Among the Silent Generation (1928-1945), it ranked 4330th out of 6773 names. Among the Baby Boomers (1946-1964), it ranked 1980th out of 7552 names. Among the Generation X (Gen X) (1965-1980), it ranked 1076th out of 10718 names. Among the Millennials (Gen Y) (1981-1996), it ranked 691st out of 16616 names. Among the Generation Z (Gen Z or Zoomers) (1997-2012), it ranked 828th out of 24088 names. Among the Generation Alpha (2013-2024), it ranked 559th out of 23106 names. Among the Silent Generation (1928-1945), it ranked 9204th out of 9204 names. Among the Generation X (Gen X) (1965-1980), it ranked 10438th out of 19264 names. Among the Millennials (Gen Y) (1981-1996), it ranked 5414th out of 27321 names. Among the Generation Z (Gen Z or Zoomers) (1997-2012), it ranked 7406th out of 35406 names. Among the Generation Alpha (2013-2024), it ranked 5282nd out of 30306 names. Discover how the name 'Bo' has evolved through American history with our comprehensive regional and generational analysis.
Etymology & Cultural Background of "Bo"
Pronunciation
/boʊ/
Origin
Chinese
Etymology
The name 'Bo' has roots in Chinese culture where it can mean 'wave' or 'precious'. It is also used in Scandinavian countries as a short form of names like Bodhi or Bode.
Meaning
precious, wave
Language Evolution
古汉语 (Old Chinese), 现代汉语 (Modern Chinese), Old Norse
Historical Usage
The name Bo has gained popularity in the 20th century, especially in Western cultures, often associated with simplicity and strength. In Chinese culture, it has been used for centuries.
Variants & Derivatives
Bodhi, Bode, Boaz
Modern Popularity & Image
Currently, Bo is perceived as a trendy and modern name, often associated with confidence and charisma.
Famous People
Bo Jackson, Bo Derek, Bo Burnham
Explore More Bo Name Visualizations
Historical Birth Statistics for the Name "Bo"
Note: Years with identical rankings may represent different numbers of births. Data is sourced from Social Security card applications for births in the United States.
Yearly Ranking History of "Bo"
"Bo" Popularity Across American Generations
| Generation | Gender | Rank | Total Names |
|---|---|---|---|
| G.I. Generation (1901-1927) | Boy | 3850th of 7545 | 70 |
| Silent Generation (1928-1945) | Boy | 4330th of 6773 | 43 |
| Baby Boomers (1946-1964) | Boy | 1980th of 7552 | 309 |
| Generation X (Gen X) (1965-1980) | Boy | 1076th of 10718 | 919 |
| Millennials (Gen Y) (1981-1996) | Boy | 691st of 16616 | 3,257 |
| Generation Z (Gen Z or Zoomers) (1997-2012) | Boy | 828th of 24088 | 3,574 |
| Generation Alpha (2013-2024) | Boy | 559th of 23106 | 6,110 |
| Silent Generation (1928-1945) | Girl | 9204th of 9204 | 5 |
| Generation X (Gen X) (1965-1980) | Girl | 10438th of 19264 | 41 |
| Millennials (Gen Y) (1981-1996) | Girl | 5414th of 27321 | 247 |
| Generation Z (Gen Z or Zoomers) (1997-2012) | Girl | 7406th of 35406 | 244 |
| Generation Alpha (2013-2024) | Girl | 5282nd of 30306 | 297 |
Regional Popularity of "Bo" by Generation for Male Names
| TOP(%) | MidWest | Northeast | South | West |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| G.I. Generation (1901-1927) |
- | - | - | - |
| Silent Generation (1928-1945) |
- | - | - | - |
| Baby Boomers (1946-1964) |
63.27% 1409th/2227 |
- |
65.30% 1863rd/2853 |
- |
| Generation X (Gen X) (1965-1980) |
33.57% 986th/2937 |
- |
29.56% 1040th/3518 |
25.54% 1033rd/4044 |
| Millennials (Gen Y) (1981-1996) |
15.36% 566th/3685 |
25.90% 1159th/4475 |
14.42% 749th/5194 |
10.12% 639th/6317 |
| Generation Z (Gen Z or Zoomers) (1997-2012) |
13.49% 618th/4582 |
29.36% 1516th/5164 |
11.64% 851st/7313 |
11.91% 889th/7463 |
| Generation Alpha (2013-2024) |
9.96% 397th/3984 |
18.19% 816th/4487 |
8.50% 580th/6822 |
9.64% 605th/6276 |
Regional Popularity of "Bo" by Generation for Female Names
| TOP(%) | MidWest | Northeast | South | West |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| G.I. Generation (1901-1927) |
- | - | - | - |
| Silent Generation (1928-1945) |
- | - | - | - |
| Baby Boomers (1946-1964) |
- | - | - | - |
| Generation X (Gen X) (1965-1980) |
- | - | - |
91.79% 3712th/4044 |
| Millennials (Gen Y) (1981-1996) |
- | - | - |
68.20% 4308th/6317 |
| Generation Z (Gen Z or Zoomers) (1997-2012) |
- | - | - |
73.66% 5497th/7463 |
| Generation Alpha (2013-2024) |
- | - |
77.72% 5302nd/6822 |
59.86% 3757th/6276 |
State-by-State Popularity of "Bo"
This map shows the relative popularity of "Bo" across states, calculated by dividing the number of births with this name in each state by the total births in that state. This methodology provides a standardized measure of popularity regardless of state population size.