Beau

Pronunciation: [ b-OH ]

Girl Name #2,668 Most Popular Hidden Gem 1 Syllable

Short, chic, and effortlessly beautiful

French English American

Modern Bold Minimalist Unique Playful

Meaning & Origin

"beautiful, handsome"

Origin: French

Language: French

"fair, lovely"

Origin: Latin

Language: Latin

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.

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

Famous People Named Beau

Beau Biden

Politician

1969

American attorney general and military officer, son of President Joe Biden

Beau Bridges

Actor

1941

American actor known for The Fabulous Baker Boys and multiple Emmy-winning TV roles

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

Beatrice #581 Beatrix #1378 Beatriz #1748 Bea #2146 Beautiful #3934

Pairs Well With

Beau Rose Beau Mae Beau Elizabeth Beau James Beau Louise Beau Grace Beau Anne

Sibling Names

Finn Scout Wren Arlo Sage June Quinn

Also a Boy Name

Beau is also used as a boy name, ranked #69.

View Beau as a boy name →

Similar Names

Nell Boaz Beau Blu Boe Brielle Beaux

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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.

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.