Beau
Beau is a boys' name of French origin meaning “beautiful, handsome.” It ranked #60 in the United States in 2025. Directly from the French adjective 'beau' meaning beautiful or handsome.
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how do you pronounce Beau?
BOH
where does the name Beau come from?
Either directly from the French beau, meaning beautiful or handsome, or shortened from surname-style given names that begin with it, such as Beauregard and Beaumont.
In 18th-century English culture, a 'beau' was a fashionable man about town. Beau Brummell, the English dandy, defined men's fashion in the Regency era and gave the term lasting associations with elegance.
how popular is this name?
Beau has appeared in the US top 1,000 in 58 years since 1967, and fell outside it for 1. It peaked at #60 in 2025.
See the milestone years
| Year | Rank |
|---|---|
| 2025 | #60 |
| 2024 | #69 |
| 2023 | #81 |
| 2022 | #90 |
| 2021 | #94 |
| 2020 | #109 |
| 2019 | #132 |
| 2018 | #151 |
| 2017 | #157 |
| 2016 | #188 |
| 2010 | #375 |
| 2000 | #467 |
| 1990 | #337 |
| 1980 | #203 |
| 1970 | #627 |
| 1967 | #968 |
Source: SSA National Baby Names Dataset (through 2025). Years absent from the table are years Beau fell outside the top 1,000.
the history of Beau
In eighteenth-century English usage a beau was a fashionable man about town, and the word was applied as a nickname before it was given as a name. Its use as a formal given name is much more recent and is strongest in the United States, Australia and the Netherlands.
who are famous people named Beau?
- Beau Bridges (actor)
- Beau Biden (politician)
- Beau Brummell (English dandy)
what are the nicknames and variants of Beau?
Nicknames
Variants around the world
what names are similar to Beau?
what names go well with Beau?
Sibling names that share Beau's rhythm and register without echoing it too closely.
quick answers about Beau
What does the name Beau mean?
Beau means “beautiful, handsome”.
What is the origin of the name Beau?
Beau comes from the French naming tradition. Related forms include Bo and Beaux.
How popular is the name Beau?
Beau ranked #60 in the US in 2025, according to Social Security data. Its best year was 2025, at #60, and it has spent 58 years in the top 1,000 since 1967.
Is Beau a boy or girl name?
Beau is primarily a boys' name.
How do you pronounce Beau?
Beau is pronounced BOH, with 1 syllable.
Last updated · Curated by HushName editorial
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