"beautiful, handsome"
Origin: French
Language: French
Beau
Pronunciation: [ b-OH ]
Does Beau flow with your last name?
Short, chic, and effortlessly beautiful
French
English
American
Modern
Bold
Minimalist
Unique
Playful
Reviewed by the NamingEverything Editorial Team · Updated
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Names Like Beau
Same sound, same style — different options
Meaning & Origin
"fair, lovely"
Origin: Latin
Language: Latin
Browse names with similar meanings:
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Things to Know About This Name
- Traditionally masculine name in France — may face gender assumption issues in some contexts
The Story of Beau
Beau is the French word for beautiful or handsome, derived from Latin bellus. It entered English as a term for a fashionable admirer or suitor in the 18th century. While historically masculine in France, the gender-neutral naming trend in English-speaking countries has made Beau increasingly popular for girls, following the footsteps of names like James and Charlie crossing the gender divide.
Beau for girls surged in the 2010s as parents sought short, punchy names that felt both refined and free-spirited. Celebrity usage and character naming in prestige TV gave it added visibility.
In French, beau is an everyday adjective of beauty, making this name simultaneously casual and cosmopolitan. The name Beau Brummell, the iconic 19th-century English dandy, cemented its association with style and elegance.
Historical Record
Beau first appeared in US Social Security records in 1977.
Over 951 babies have been named Beau in the United States since SSA records began.
Today, Beau is a hidden gem — rare but distinctive , currently ranked #2,668 for girl names in the US .
Fun Facts
- Beau entered English from French as a term for an admirer or well-dressed man in the 1700s
- Beau is one of the fastest-rising gender-neutral names in the US and Australia
Beau in Other Languages
French
Beau
Italian
Bello
Spanish
Bello
Portuguese
Belo
Popularity Over Time
#2,668
Current Rank
Rising
Trend
Hidden Gem
Based on SSA data 1880–present
Year-by-year popularity data will be available soon.
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See all →Quick Facts
- Gender
- Girl
- Syllables
- 1
- Popularity Rank
- #2,668
- Total SSA Count
- 65
- Cultural Origins
- French English American
- Pronunciation
- Easy
- Formality
- Casual
- Cross-Cultural Ease
- High
Alternative Spellings
Middle Name Ideas
Suggested pairings based on syllable flow and style
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Timeless choice, English 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, English 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
-
Distinctive pick, English heritage match, quick 1-1 syllable combo
Middle Names
Middle Names for Beau
7 name pairings with syllable flow tips
Sibling Names
Sibling Match
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Also a Boy Name
Beau is also used as a boy name, ranked #69.
View Beau as a boy name →Similar Names
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Compare Beau with...
Same Origin Names (French)
See all French names →Names with Similar Meaning
Names that share meaning themes with Beau
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Frequently Asked Questions About Beau
What does the name Beau mean?
"beautiful, handsome" (from French). "fair, lovely" (from Latin). Beau is the French word for beautiful or handsome, derived from Latin bellus. It entered English as a term for a fashionable admirer or suitor in the 18th century. While historically masculine in France, the gender-neutral naming trend in English-speaking countries has made Beau increasingly popular for girls, following the footsteps of names like James and Charlie crossing the gender divide.
What is the origin of the name Beau?
Beau has French, Latin, English, and American origins. In French, it means "beautiful, handsome". In Latin, it means "fair, lovely".
Is Beau a boy or girl name?
Beau is used as both a girl and boy name. As a girl name, it is ranked #2668. As a boy name, it is ranked #69. 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 #2668 in popularity for girl names in the United States.
What are good middle names for Beau?
Popular middle name pairings include Beau Rose, Beau Mae, Beau Elizabeth, Beau James, Beau Louise, Beau Grace, and Beau Anne.
What are good sibling names for Beau?
Names that pair well with Beau as siblings include Finn, Scout, Wren, Arlo, Sage, June, and Quinn.
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 an uncommon name, ranked #2668 in the US. Its rarity gives it a distinctive, memorable quality.
What girl names are similar to Beau?
About the Name Beau
Beau is a girl name with French, English, and American origins . The name means "beautiful, handsome" in French .
Is Beau a boy or girl name? Beau is used as both a girl and boy name. As a girl name, it ranks #2,668 in popularity. As a boy name, it ranks #69. Beau is more commonly used as a boy name.
Beau is currently ranked #2,668 in popularity for girl 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 Beatrice, Beatrix, Beatriz, Bea, Beautiful . 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