Bode

♂ Boy

Pronounced BOH-dee /ˈboʊ.di/High

Meaning: From the Old Norse Bodi or Old High German Bodo, meaning 'herald' or 'messenger'; also possibly from the German bote (messenger); associated with the idea of bringing tidings or newsMedium

In 30 seconds: Bode is a crisp, energetic Norse-Germanic name meaning 'herald' — the bearer of news. Best known through Olympic ski racer Bode Miller, it has a rugged, outdoorsy American edge and a clean two-syllable sound that is completely distinctive.

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Origin MediumOld Norse, Old High German

MeaningFrom the Old Norse Bodi or Old High German Bodo, meaning 'herald' or 'messenger'; also possibly from the German bote (messenger); associated with the idea of bringing tidings or news

U.S. rank (2025)#748 ↗ Rising

2025 U.S. births347 boys (0.02% of U.S. boys)

Peak year2025

Total births (all-time)≈ 4,757

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

Bode derives from the Old Norse Bodi or Old High German Bodo, both meaning 'herald' or 'messenger.' The name appears in early medieval Germanic and Scandinavian records. As a given name in the United States, it is primarily associated with the skiing legend Bode Miller.

Bode has been growing as a given name in the United States since Bode Miller's rise to fame in the 2000s. It has a clean, rugged outdoorsy quality that appeals to parents who love skiing and outdoor sports, and its two-syllable energetic sound makes it distinctive.

Did you know? Bode Miller, the American alpine ski racer, is one of the most decorated American skiers in Olympic history, known for his aggressive, freewheeling style and fearless racing philosophy. His name Bode — pronounced like 'Bode' not 'Boh-deh' — became widely known through his Olympic career.

Overall data confidence 80%

Behind the Name — Bode — etymology and usageU.S. Social Security Administration — popularity data

Variations

BodiBodieBodhi

Nicknames

Famous Bearers

★Bode Miller (1977–present)
American alpine ski racer and six-time Olympic medalist.

If you like Bode…

Bodhi— shares the same sound (though different spelling/origin) and the same outdoorsy spiritual cool

Colt— shares the rugged outdoors masculine energy and the same crisp short-vowel confidence

Ace— fellow one/two-syllable punchy name with the same bold, sporty masculine confidence

Remy— parallel two-syllable warm vintage name with the same friendly, modern energy

Explore names like Bode

By thememodern german norse distinctive sporty outdoorsy

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Frequently Asked

What does the name Bode mean?

Bode means 'herald' or 'messenger' from Old Norse Bodi and Old High German Bodo, referring to one who brings tidings.

How do you pronounce Bode?

Bode is pronounced BOH-dee /ˈboʊ.di/ — two syllables with stress on the first.

Is Bode the same as Bodhi?

Bode and Bodhi sound similar but have different origins. Bode is Norse-Germanic; Bodhi is Sanskrit meaning 'enlightenment.' They are unrelated.

Is Bode a popular name?

Bode has been growing in the U.S. since the 2000s, associated with skier Bode Miller. It has an outdoorsy, athletic appeal.