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.
Etymology & Cultural Background
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
📊 Trend Analysis
Boy Name Trend
Recent 3-Year Analysis
Girl Name Trend
Recent 3-Year Analysis
Explore More Name Visualizations
Key Insights
Popularity Trend
Moderately Popular name with 708 peak births in 2024
Geographic Spread
Popular across 44 US states, with strongest presence in Utah
Historical Span
Data spanning 145 years from 1880 to 2024, showing long-term trends
Generational Impact
Influenced 12 different American generations with varying popularity
🔊 Alternative Spellings & Similar Sounds (3 Variations)
Explore names that share identical pronunciation with different spellings. These variations offer alternative options for parents seeking unique yet familiar-sounding choices. This curated collection includes 3 carefully selected variations that maintain the same phonetic sound while providing distinct spelling options.
Why consider alternative spellings? Different spellings can offer unique cultural significance or personal preference while maintaining the familiar sound. This collection covers various spelling patterns, helping you find variations that match your preferences.
Historical Birth Statistics
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
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 by Generation - 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 by Generation - 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
This map shows relative popularity 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.
Comprehensive Regional & Generational Popularity Trends in the United States
This name shows strongest popularity in Utah 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, usage 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, popularity patterns vary significantly: 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. Explore how this name has evolved through American history with comprehensive regional and generational analysis.