Bebe

♀ Girl

Pronounced BEE-bee /ˈbiː.bi/Medium

Meaning: Bebe began as an affectionate word name and pet form — from the French bebe, 'baby' — and as a nickname for names beginning with B (Beatrice, Barbara). It stands on its own as a light, playful given name.Low

In 30 seconds: A term of endearment turned name: Bebe echoes the French for 'baby' (said 'BEE-bee'). Playful, warm, and short.

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Origin LowFrench, American

MeaningBebe began as an affectionate word name and pet form — from the French bebe, 'baby' — and as a nickname for names beginning with B (Beatrice, Barbara). It stands on its own as a light, playful given name.

U.S. rank (2024)#13683 ↘ Falling

2024 U.S. births6 girls (0.00% of U.S. girls)

Peak year1932

Total births (all-time)≈ 1,573

Popularity in the U.S. · SSA data

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

SSA data updated May 2026. How we source & verify this data.

History & Origin

Bebe is a word name and pet name at once: it echoes the French bebe, 'baby,' and has long served as a nickname for Beatrice, Barbara and other B- names. Light, affectionate, and easy to say (said 'BEE-bee').

It appears rarely for girls in the U.S. Rare, playful, and sweet.

Did you know? Bebe grew out of a nickname — the French bebe, 'baby,' and a pet form for B- names like Beatrice — and became a name in its own right (said 'BEE-bee').

Overall data confidence 45%

References — Bebe — French bebe 'baby'; pet form for B- names

Variations

BibiBeebeeBee

Nicknames

BeeBeebs

Famous Bearers

Famous bearers coming soon.

If you like Bebe…

Bea— a like short B- pet name

Coco— a similar playful doubled name

Mimi— a like sweet repeat-sound pick

Lulu— another bright nickname name

Explore names like Bebe

By themeword-name short nickname-name playful

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Frequently Asked

What does the name Bebe mean?

Bebe comes from the French bebe, 'baby,' and also works as a pet form for names beginning with B.

How do you pronounce Bebe?

It's said BEE-bee /ˈbiː.bi/ — two syllables, stress on the first.

Is Bebe a boy or girl name?

Bebe is used as a girl's name.

How popular is Bebe?

Bebe is a rare name for girls in the U.S.