Beau

“The name Beau originates from the French word for 'handsome' or 'beautiful'”

French origin · Boy name

♂ 98% boys♀ 2% girls

#80US 2023

4.1kBirths / yr

↑Rising

44.5kAll-time births

📅 Since 193200.19% of births at peak

How to pronounce Beau

BOW

/ˈbaʊ/ · stress on BOW · 1 syllable

“The name Beau originates from the French word for 'handsome' or 'beautiful'”

French origin · Boy name

What does Beau mean and where does it come from?

The name Beau originates from the French word for 'handsome' or 'beautiful'. While traditionally used as a masculine name in French-speaking countries, it has gained popularity as a unisex name in English-speaking regions. In the United States, Beau is often perceived as a charming name with a laid-

Cultural significance

Beau has been a cherished name across cultures, particularly in French-speaking communities, where it reflects values of french.

Peak popularity

Reached #109 in 2020 — currently #80 in the US.

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How else can you spell Beau?

Same sound, different look — useful if you want something slightly more distinctive

What middle names flow best with Beau?

Beau works best with short, strong middle names — one or two syllables keep the full name from becoming a mouthful

Beau Grace

How popular is Beau right now?

Rising — up 10 spots — currently #80 in the US out of 135.5k tracked names

US Trend 1940–2023#80 · Top 0.06%

1965

1970

1975

1980

1985

1990

1995

2000

2005

2010

2015

2020

2021

2022

2023

Year	US Rank	Births	vs Prior Year
2023	#80	4,098	▲ up 10 · +4% births
2022	#90	3,955	▲ up 4 · +4% births
2021	#94	3,815	▲ up 15 · +15% births
2020	#109	3,319	▲ up 94 · +68% births
2015	#203	1,975	▲ up 172 · +158% births
2010	#375	766	▲ up 41 · +19% births
2005	#416	645	▲ up 51 · +27% births
2000	#467	507	▼ down 27 · -2% births
1995	#440	520	▼ down 103 · -29% births
1990	#337	731	▼ down 27 · +11% births
1985	#310	660	▼ down 107 · -45% births
1980	#203	1,206	▲ up 303 · +380% births
1975	#506	251	▲ up 123 · +50% births
1970	#629	167	▲ up 464 · +255% births
1965	#1093	47	—

Name Popularity Timeline

Popularity Statistics for Beau

Best Year2023Rank #80

Peak Count4,098

Average Rank#938

Current Trend↗Rising

Data Range1940 - 202320 years

The story of Beau

Beau entered American naming records in 1932 and has been in use for over 92 years. A total of 44,475 babies have received this name. The name has grown more popular over time, rising from #3116 in 1940 to #80 in 2023. Beau is used for both genders: 2% female and 98% male.

Names that peaked alongside Beau in 2020:

Liam Noah Oliver Elijah William

Beau by decade

Beau peaked in the 2020s. See all 2020s names →

Decade	Births
1930s	5
1940s	68
1950s	123
1960s	474
1970s	3,159
1980s	7,255
1990s	5,647
2000s	6,257
2010s ★	18,119
2020s	3,368

What are good nicknames for Beau?

Common

BeaieBeay

Famous people named Beau

Beau (French author)

Beau immortalized this name in French literature, one of the world's great literary traditions.

Beau (French impressionist artist)

Beau used this name in the rich tradition of French visual arts and culture.

Beau (medieval French noble)

Beau held this name in the courts of medieval France, from which it spread across Europe with the Normans.

Beau (French author)

Beau immortalized this name in French literature, one of the world's great literary traditions.

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Celebrity Names

What celebrities named their babies in 2025

Explore →

What names sound and feel like Beau?

Based on sound, origin, and style — parents who love Beau also consider these

Beaux

France · handsome

Breau

Celtic · A Celtic name

Bear

American · a large animal

Bean

American · A surname turned

Bedeau

Hebrew · A Hebrew name

Blau

International · A International name

Behlau

Hebrew · A Hebrew name

Esau

Hebrew · hairy

Common questions about the name Beau

What does the name Beau mean?

Beau means "French" — a name rooted in French tradition that carries both historical depth and timeless appeal. The meaning reflects values that have made this name endure across generations.

How popular is the name Beau?

Beau is currently ranked #80 in the United States as a baby name in the US and is rapidly gaining popularity — searches for Beau have increased significantly in recent years.

What is the cultural origin of Beau?

Beau originates from French tradition. French names tend to carry strong cultural heritage and have spread across the world through migration, literature, and religion over centuries.

How do you pronounce the name Beau?

Beau is a one-syllable name pronounced B AW1. The pronunciation is straightforward for English speakers, and the name reads clearly on paper — an important practical consideration for parents.

How does Beau sound with different last names?

As a one-syllable name, Beau flows best with last names of two or three syllables. Avoid last names ending in the same sound as Beau ends, as this can create an unwanted rhyme. Test by saying the full name out loud several times.