“Bo can be a unisex name but is popularly recognized in both Chinese and English-speaking cultures”
Chinese origin · Unisex name
♂ 94% boys♀ 6% girls
#479US 2023
632Births / yr
↑Rising
12.4kAll-time births
📅 Since 192900
What does Bo mean and where does it come from?
Bo can be a unisex name but is popularly recognized in both Chinese and English-speaking cultures. In Chinese, it often carries positive meanings related to beauty and value when written with different characters (博, 波, 肖, etc.). In English, it may sometimes be a diminutive of names like 'Bobby' or
Cultural significance
Bo has been a cherished name across cultures, particularly in Chinese-speaking communities, where it reflects values of chinese.
Rising — up 18 spots — currently #479 in the US out of 135.5k tracked names
US Trend 1980–2023#479 · Top 0.35%
1980
1985
1990
1995
2000
2005
2010
2015
2020
2021
2022
2023
Year
US Rank
Births
vs Prior Year
2023
#479
632
▲ up 18 · +3% births
2022
#497
614
▼ down 17 · -1% births
2021
#480
621
▲ up 5356 · +3005% births
2020
#5836
20
▲ up 1146 · +18% births
2015
#6982
17
▼ down 42 · -6% births
2010
#6940
18
▼ down 925 · -10% births
2005
#6015
20
▲ up 9126 · +300% births
2000
#15141
5
▼ down 7000 · -50% births
1995
#8141
10
▼ down 2551 · -37% births
1990
#5590
16
▼ down 1102 · -6% births
1985
#4488
17
▼ down 1606 · -45% births
1980
#2882
31
—
Name Popularity Timeline
Popularity Statistics for Bo
2023Rank #479
632
#5289
↗Rising
1980 - 202312 years
The story of Bo
Bo entered American naming records in 1929 and has been in use for over 95 years. A total of 12,430 babies have received this name. The name has grown more popular over time, rising from #2882 in 1980 to #479 in 2023. Bo is used for both genders: 6% female and 94% male.
Bo means "Chinese" — a name rooted in Chinese 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 Bo?
Bo is currently ranked #479 in the United States as a baby name in the US and is rapidly gaining popularity — searches for Bo have increased significantly in recent years.
What is the cultural origin of Bo?
Bo originates from Chinese tradition. Chinese names tend to carry strong cultural heritage and have spread across the world through migration, literature, and religion over centuries.
How does Bo sound with different last names?
As a one-syllable name, Bo flows best with last names of two or three syllables. Avoid last names ending in the same sound as Bo ends, as this can create an unwanted rhyme. Test by saying the full name out loud several times.
Is Bo trending right now?
Bo is currently on the rise — it has gained significant momentum in recent years as parents discover its appeal.
Sibling names that pair with Bo
For a sister
Bo & Ping♡
Bo & Xiao♡
Bo & Song♡
Bo & Ka♡
For a brother
Bo & Ping♡
Bo & Xiao♡
Bo & Song♡
Bo & Ka♡
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