Bo

♂ Boy

Pronounced BOH /boʊ/High

Meaning: From Old Norse 'búa' meaning to live or dwell, used as a short form in Scandinavian naming; also an independent Chinese given name (波, 博, etc.) with various meanings; in English often a short form of names beginning with Bo-Medium

In 30 seconds: Bo is a super-short, punchy name with roots in both Scandinavian tradition and broad American culture. It carries an easygoing, confident charm and works perfectly as both a standalone name and a nickname.

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Origin MediumScandinavian, Chinese

MeaningFrom Old Norse 'búa' meaning to live or dwell, used as a short form in Scandinavian naming; also an independent Chinese given name (波, 博, etc.) with various meanings; in English often a short form of names beginning with Bo-

U.S. rank (2025)#449 ↗ Rising

2025 U.S. births698 boys (0.04% of U.S. boys)

Peak year2025

Total births (all-time)≈ 14,980

Popularity in the U.S. · SSA data

U.S. births per year (Social Security Administration, 1880–present). Pink marker = peak year.

History & Origin

Bo has roots in Old Norse búa (to live, dwell), where it was used as a short form of Scandinavian names. In English-speaking America, Bo developed independently as a short, affectionate name. It also functions as a Chinese given name with meanings depending on the character used. In American culture it has been used as a standalone name and as a nickname for names like Robert or Bobby.

Bo gained wide American visibility through Bo Diddley, the rock-and-roll pioneer, and Bo Jackson, the legendary dual-sport athlete. These cultural figures helped establish Bo as a name with a confident, masculine energy. It has remained in use as a short, modern choice popular across different communities.

Did you know? Bo Jackson — the only professional athlete ever named to both an NFL Pro Bowl and an MLB All-Star game — turned Bo into a byword for athletic greatness in the late 1980s, inspiring the famous Nike campaign 'Bo knows.'

Overall data confidence 82%

Behind the Name — Bo — etymology and historyU.S. Social Security Administration — popularity data

Variations

BeauBoe

Nicknames

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Famous Bearers

★Bo Jackson (1962–present)
American athlete who played professionally in both the NFL and MLB
★Bo Diddley (1928–2008)
American rock-and-roll musician and pioneer

If you like Bo…

Beau— shares the short, cool one-syllable quality and similar sound

Kai— equally short, modern and confident with cross-cultural roots

Finn— another single-syllable name with the same breezy, strong character

Jax— shares the punchy one-syllable modern energy

Frequently Asked

What does the name Bo mean?

Bo derives from Old Norse meaning 'to live or dwell.' It also functions as a Chinese given name with various meanings and as an American short form of longer names.

How do you pronounce Bo?

Bo is a single syllable pronounced BOH /boʊ/.

Is Bo a popular boys' name?

Bo is a consistent presence in American naming, especially as a short, confident choice. It gained cultural cachet through athletes like Bo Jackson.

Is Bo a nickname or a given name?

Bo works as both — it is used as a standalone given name and as a nickname for longer names. As a given name it has Scandinavian and Chinese independent traditions.