Bo

How to say it

boʊ

What it means

A Scandinavian name from the Old Norse for 'to live' or 'dweller,' also a breezy nickname.

Bo is a short, sunny name from the Old Norse bua, 'to live' or 'to dwell.' Long a Scandinavian staple, it also works in America as a standalone or a nickname, with a laid-back, Southern-tinged charm. Bo Jackson made it familiar on the field. About as easy as a name gets, one open syllable.

How to spell Bo

The standard spelling is Bo. Common variants include Beau, Boe, Bow, but Bo is the most widely used form.

Heads-up notes

• Spelling

  Shares its sound with the French Beau.

• Pop culture

  Two-sport athlete Bo Jackson.

Who's worn it

Historical figures, characters, and public faces who share the name. The cultural surface, for whatever weight you want to give it.

• Bo Jackson American athlete named an All-Star in both Major League Baseball and the NFL

Spelling variants

• Beau
• Boe
• Bow

Names with the same feeling

• Beau Handsome, beautiful
• Cash Case-maker, or money
• Jett Black gemstone, fast
• Ace Number one, expert
• Kai Sea, or 'keeper of the keys'

Common questions

What does the name Bo mean?

A Scandinavian name from the Old Norse for 'to live' or 'dweller,' also a breezy nickname.

What does Bo mean in Scandinavian?

In Scandinavian, Bo means "To live; dweller." Bo is a short, sunny name from the Old Norse bua, 'to live' or 'to dwell.' Long a Scandinavian staple, it also works in America as a standalone or a nickname, with a laid-back, Southern-tinged charm. Bo Jackson made it familiar on the field. About as easy as a name gets, one open syllable.

How do you pronounce Bo?

Bo is pronounced boʊ. Say it as BO, with the stress on the "bo" syllable.

How do you spell Bo?

The standard spelling is Bo. Common spelling variants include Beau, Boe, Bow.

Is Bo a boy or girl name?

Bo is traditionally a masculine name.

How popular is the name Bo?

Bo ranked #449 in the U.S. in 2025, according to Social Security Administration data.