Flo

♀ Girl

How to Pronounce Flo

Pronounced FLOH /ˈfloʊ/High

Meaning: Flo is the friendly short form of Florence ('flourishing, prosperous') and Flora ('flower'), both from the Latin root florere, 'to bloom'; as a stand-alone name it inherits that blossoming meaning.Medium

In 30 seconds: Flo is the cheerful clip of Florence and Flora — Latin for flourishing and flower (said 'FLOH'). A one-beat name with real old-fashioned warmth.

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Origin MediumLatin

MeaningFlo is the friendly short form of Florence ('flourishing, prosperous') and Flora ('flower'), both from the Latin root florere, 'to bloom'; as a stand-alone name it inherits that blossoming meaning.

U.S. rank (2024)#16029 ↘ Falling

2024 U.S. births5 girls (0.00% of U.S. girls)

Peak year1917

Total births (all-time)≈ 2,094

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

Flo began life as a nickname for Florence, from Latin florens ('flourishing'), and Flora, the Roman goddess of flowers. In its own right it was most common a century ago, when Florence was a top name.

Given occasionally as a stand-alone name since the late nineteenth-century, Flo has an easy vintage charm; it is not yet part of the old-name revival, but its parent Florence very much is.

Did you know? The waitress Flo on the TV series 'Alice' and, decades later, the Progressive insurance character are pop-culture echoes; the name itself is simply short for Florence or Flora.

Overall data confidence 75%

Behind the Name — Florence — parent name etymology, Latin florensReferences — Flo — short form; pop-culture echoes noted

Variations

FlorenceFloraFloe

Nicknames

FlossieFlorrie

Famous Bearers

Famous bearers coming soon.

If you like Flo…

Florence— the full parent name Flo shortens

Flora— the other flower-rooted source of the nickname

Florrie— a sister diminutive of Florence

Flossie— a like vintage short form of the same family

Explore names like Flo

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Frequently Asked

What does the name Flo mean?

Flo is a short form of Florence ('flourishing') and Flora ('flower'), both from the Latin root meaning to bloom.

How do you pronounce Flo?

It's said FLOH /ˈfloʊ/ — one syllable.

Is Flo a boy or girl name?

Flo is used as a girl's name, short for Florence or Flora.

How popular is Flo?

Flo is uncommon as a given name today, though its parent name Florence is enjoying a vintage revival.