"handsome, beautiful"
Origin: French
Language: French
Beau
Pronunciation: [ b-OH ]
Does Beau flow with your last name?
One syllable of pure French charm and Southern grace
American
French
British
Bold
Minimalist
Sophisticated
Playful
Classic
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Meaning & Origin
"fine, lovely"
Origin: Latin
Language: Latin
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The Story of Beau
Beau comes directly from the French word meaning 'handsome' or 'beautiful,' derived from the Latin 'bellus' meaning fine or lovely. In 18th-century English high society, a 'beau' referred to a fashionable man — a dandy who paid careful attention to his appearance and social manners. The most famous historical 'beau' was Beau Brummell (George Bryan Brummell, 1778-1840), who is credited with creating the modern men's suit and transforming Western men's fashion during the Regency era.
Beau has been rising steadily in the US and Australia, appealing to parents who want a short, punchy name with Southern charm or European elegance. It accelerated through the 2010s-2020s as part of the one-syllable boys' name trend alongside Bo, Colt, and Knox.
In the American South, Beau has a warm, charming connotation — fitting naturally alongside names like Scarlett and Blanche, carrying a distinctly Southern gentlemanly quality. In France, beau carries the simple compliment of beauty and elegance. Beau Brummell's legacy made the word synonymous with fashionable refinement.
Historical Record
Beau first appeared in US Social Security records in 1950.
Over 60,336 babies have been named Beau in the United States since SSA records began.
Today, Beau is rising quickly in popularity , currently ranked #69 for boy names in the US .
Fun Facts
- Beau Brummell (1778-1840) invented the modern suit and became the arbiter of men's fashion in Regency England, making his name synonymous with elegant dressing
- Beau Biden, son of President Joe Biden, served as Delaware's Attorney General and was seen by many as a future presidential candidate before his death in 2015
Beau in Other Languages
French
Beau
Italian
Bello
Spanish
Bello
Japanese
ボー
Popularity Over Time
#69
Current Rank
Rising
Trend
Rising Fast
Based on SSA data 1880–present
Year-by-year popularity data will be available soon.
Famous People Named Beau
B
Beau Biden
Politician
1969
American attorney who served as Delaware's Attorney General; son of President Joe Biden, who died of glioblastoma in 201...
American attorney who served as Delaware's Attorney General; son of President Joe Biden, who died of glioblastoma in 2015 at age 46
B
Beau Bridges
Actor
1941
American actor and director, son of Lloyd Bridges and brother of Jeff Bridges, known for The Fabulous Baker Boys and The...
American actor and director, son of Lloyd Bridges and brother of Jeff Bridges, known for The Fabulous Baker Boys and The Big Lebowski
B
Beau Wilkes Fictional
Other
Romantic male lead in Margaret Mitchell's 'Gone with the Wind' — Ashley's son, representing the genteel Old South ideal
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See all →Quick Facts
- Gender
- Boy
- Syllables
- 1
- Popularity Rank
- #69
- Total SSA Count
- 4,694
- Cultural Origins
- American French British
- Pronunciation
- Easy
- Formality
- Casual
- Cross-Cultural Ease
- Moderate
Alternative Spellings
Popular in These States
Top states by rank · 2024
Middle Name Ideas
Suggested pairings based on syllable flow and style
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Timeless choice, American heritage match, quick 1-1 syllable combo
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Classic pairing, smooth 1-2 syllable flow
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Classic pairing, smooth 1-2 syllable flow
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Classic pairing, smooth 1-2 syllable flow
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Classic pairing, smooth 1-2 syllable flow
-
Timeless choice, American heritage match, quick 1-1 syllable combo
-
Classic pairing, smooth 1-2 syllable flow
-
Timeless choice, American heritage match, quick 1-1 syllable combo
-
Classic pairing, smooth 1-2 syllable flow
-
Timeless choice, American heritage match, quick 1-1 syllable combo
Middle Names
Middle Names for Beau
6 name pairings with syllable flow tips
Sibling Names
Sibling Match
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Also a Girl Name
Beau is also used as a girl name, ranked #2668.
View Beau as a girl name →Similar Names
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Frequently Asked Questions About Beau
What does the name Beau mean?
"handsome, beautiful" (from French). "fine, lovely" (from Latin). Beau comes directly from the French word meaning 'handsome' or 'beautiful,' derived from the Latin 'bellus' meaning fine or lovely. In 18th-century English high society, a 'beau' referred to a fashionable man — a dandy who paid careful attention to his appearance and social manners. The most famous historical 'beau' was Beau Brummell (George Bryan Brummell, 1778-1840), who is credited with creating the modern men's suit and transforming Western men's fashion during the Regency era.
What is the origin of the name Beau?
Beau has French, Latin, American, and British origins. In French, it means "handsome, beautiful". In Latin, it means "fine, lovely".
Is Beau a boy or girl name?
Beau is used as both a boy and girl name. As a boy name, it is ranked #69. As a girl name, it is ranked #2668. Beau is more commonly used as a boy name.
How do you pronounce Beau?
Beau is pronounced b-OH.
How popular is the name Beau?
Beau is currently ranked #69 in popularity for boy names in the United States.
What are good middle names for Beau?
Popular middle name pairings include Beau James, Beau Alexander, Beau William, Beau Thomas, Beau Harrison, and Beau Charles.
What are good sibling names for Beau?
Names that pair well with Beau as siblings include Colt, Brooks, Briar, Scarlett, Willa, and Georgia.
How many syllables does Beau have?
Beau has 1 syllable, making it easy to say and remember.
Is Beau a common or rare name?
Beau is a very popular name, ranked #69 among boy names in the United States.
What boy names are similar to Beau?
Are there other spellings for Beau?
About the Name Beau
Beau is a boy name with American, French, and British origins . The name means "handsome, beautiful" in French .
Is Beau a boy or girl name? Beau is used as both a boy and girl name. As a boy name, it ranks #69 in popularity. As a girl name, it ranks #2,668. Beau is more commonly used as a boy name.
Beau is currently ranked #69 in popularity for boy names in the United States.
The name Beau has 1 syllable and is pronounced b-OH, making it easy to pronounce and remember.
Alternative spellings of Beau include Bear, Beaux, Beauden, Beauregard, Bearett . Each spelling variation gives the name a slightly different character while preserving its sound and meaning.
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Sources
- U.S. Social Security Administration — National Baby Names Data (popularity rankings and historical trends)
- Behind the Name (etymology and meaning research)
- NamingEverything editorial research and analysis