The first name Bo

In 2025, 12 boys were named Bo, making it the 2,014th most popular boys’ name. It peaked in 2012, with 63 births (#654).

Office for National Statistics; years with fewer than three births are not published and show as zero. Compare Bo with other names.

In 2025, 698 boys born in the United States were named Bo, the 449th most popular boys’ name that year.

US Social Security Administration, from applications for a Social Security card. A name is only published for a year when at least five babies were given it, so quieter years show as zero.

• Bo Carpelan
  Finnish writer (1926-2011)
• Bo Goldman
  American screenwriter (1932–2023)
• Bo Horvat
  Canadian ice hockey player, born 1995
• Bo Svensson
  Danish footballer and manager (born 1979)
• Bo Hamburger
  Danish cyclist (born 1970)
• Bo Bice
  American singer and musician, born 1975
• Bo Bragason
  British actress, born 2004
• Bo Jackson
  American football and baseball player (born 1962)
• Bo Carter
  American early blues musician, 1892–1964
• Bo Welch
  American production designer, art director, film and television director and actor, born 1951
• Bo Henriksen
  Danish football player, born 1975
• Bo Spellerberg
  Danish handball player, born 1979

What does the name Bo mean?

Either borrowed from modern Danish Bo or Swedish Bo, or a spelling variant of the male given name Beau.

How popular is the name Bo?

In 2025, 12 boys born in England and Wales were named Bo, ranking 2,014th. Its peak was 2012, with 63 births.

Is Bo a boy's or a girl's name?

Mostly a boy's name: 95% of the 15,849 US babies named Bo since 1880 were boys.

When was Bo most popular?

2025 in the United States, when 698 babies were named Bo, its highest rank at 449th.

Is Bo also a surname?

Yes. Bo is used as a surname as well as a first name; its surname page has the origin and how many people carry it.