Bo

♀ Girl

How to Pronounce Bo

Pronounced BOH /ˈboʊ/High

Meaning: Variously the Scandinavian Bo ('to live; a householder'), the Chinese bo ('precious; a wave'), and a modern short/pet name; used for both sexes; here for girls; routes layeredLow

In 30 seconds: To live; precious: Bo is Scandinavian 'to live' / Chinese 'precious'. Crisp, friendly, and warm. Used for both sexes (here for girls; said 'BOH').

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Origin LowScandinavian, Chinese

MeaningVariously the Scandinavian Bo ('to live; a householder'), the Chinese bo ('precious; a wave'), and a modern short/pet name; used for both sexes; here for girls; routes layered

U.S. rank (2024)#6958 ↘ Falling

2024 U.S. births16 girls (0.00% of U.S. girls)

Peak year2021

Total births (all-time)≈ 834

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

Bo comes variously from the Scandinavian Bo, 'to live; a householder', the Chinese bo, 'precious; a wave', and a modern short/pet name (routes layered, which we note). The actress Bo Derek bore it. A crisp, friendly name, used for both sexes, here for girls (slug distinguished).

In the U.S. it appears thinly for girls. Rare, to-live-and-precious at the root, and friendly.

Did you know? Bo means 'to live; a householder' in Scandinavian and 'precious; a wave' in Chinese — also a modern short/pet name — a crisp, friendly name, used for both sexes (here for girls; the routes are layered; said 'BOH').

Overall data confidence 40%

References — Bo — routes layered

Variations

BowBeauBoe

Nicknames

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Famous Bearers

Famous bearers coming soon.

If you like Bo…

Bea— a sound-neighbor short B- girls' name

Bree— a fellow short girls' name

Jo— a companion short unisex girls' name

Liv— another short unisex girls' name

Explore names like Bo

By themeuncertain unisex scandinavian chinese

By meaningSea / Water Jewel / Gem

All themes →All meanings →All origins →

Frequently Asked

What does the name Bo mean?

Bo is variously Scandinavian 'to live' and Chinese 'precious; a wave'; the routes are layered.

How do you pronounce Bo?

It's said BOH /ˈboʊ/ — one syllable.

Is Bo a boy or girl name?

Bo is used for both sexes; this page covers its use as a girl's name.

How popular is Bo?

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