Bodo

brave or bold
Germanic origin · Boy name
97% boys3% girls
#1613US 2023
10Births / yr
Stable
Top 1.2%Percentile

What does Bodo mean and where does it come from?

Bodo is derived from the Germanic root 'bald', meaning brave or bold.

Cultural significance
The name Bodo has historical significance in German-speaking regions and has been used since the Middle Ages.
Peak popularity
Reached #1613 in 2015 — currently #1613 in the US.
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Related Reading
Germanic-origin baby names with timeless appeal
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How else can you spell Bodo?

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

What middle names flow best with Bodo?

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

Bodo Jack
One syllable · timeless choice
Bodo John
One syllable · timeless choice
Bodo Miles
One syllable · vintage charm
Bodo Gael
One syllable · timeless choice
Bodo Quinn
One syllable · timeless choice
Bodo Myles
One syllable · timeless choice
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Middle Names
The best middle names for Bodo
Browse ideas →

How popular is Bodo right now?

Holding steady — currently #1613 in the US out of 135.5k tracked names

US Trend 20192023#1613 · Top 1.2%
2019
2020
2021
2022
2023
YearUS RankBirthsvs Prior Year
2023#161310stable
2022#161310stable
2021#161310stable
2020#161310stable
2019#161310
💎Bodo is exceptionally rare — it does not appear in US Social Security records, meaning fewer than 5 babies per year have received this name.

What are good nicknames for Bodo?

Common
BodBodieBody

Famous people named Bodo

BR
Bodo Ramelow
A German politician and member of the Left Party, serving as the Minister-President of Thuringia.
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Celebrity Names
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Common questions about the name Bodo

What does the name Bodo mean?
Bodo means "brave or bold" — a name rooted in Germanic 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 Bodo?
Bodo is currently a distinctive and less common name as a baby name in the US and is holding steady in popularity, a reliable classic that parents consistently choose.
What is the cultural origin of Bodo?
Bodo originates from Germanic tradition. Germanic names tend to carry strong cultural heritage and have spread across the world through migration, literature, and religion over centuries.
Is Bodo a common or rare name?
Bodo is a distinctive choice that balances familiarity with individuality. It strikes a balance between standing out and fitting in.
Is Bodo more of a girl or boy name?
Bodo is primarily used as a boy name, giving it a clear, timeless character while remaining accessible to modern families.