The nameBeau

Beau is a French word meaning "handsome", used as a boy's name in English since the 19th century.

Meaning

Beau means "handsome" in French, from the Latin bellus.

Origin

French, used in English.

History

Beau Brummell, the Regency dandy, made the word famous in English, and Beau Geste (1924) made it a hero's name. Beau has been in the American top 100 since 2021 and reached 69th place in 2024.

Famous people named Beau

Popularity of the name Beau

Beau in the United States

69thmost popular boys' name in the United States in 2024
2024peak year (4,759 births)
61,360babies named Beau in the United States since 1880
02,3804,759 18801900192019401960198020002020
Births per year in the United States. Source: Social Security Administration, names given at least 5 times a year.

Beau was most popular in the United States in the 2020s, with 20,188 births over the decade, 33% of all recorded babies named Beau. Its rise began around 1977, and it peaked in 2024. Half of all babies named Beau in the United States were born before 2015, so it is mostly a name of today's children and teenagers. Over the last five years on record, it has been rising: 4,038 births a year on average, against 2,475 in the five years before.

Beau in the United Kingdom

113thmost popular boys' name in the United Kingdom in 2025
2012peak year (667 births)
11,014babies named Beau in the United Kingdom since 1997
0334667 200020052010201520202025
Births per year in the United Kingdom. Source: ONS, NRS and NISRA (England, Wales, Scotland, Northern Ireland), names given at least 3 times a year.

Beau was most popular in the United Kingdom in the 2010s, with 5,396 births over the decade, 49% of all recorded babies named Beau. Its rise began around 2002, and it peaked in 2012. Half of all babies named Beau in the United Kingdom were born before 2016, so it is mostly a name of today's children and teenagers. Over the last five years on record, it has been rising: 623 births a year on average, against 516 in the five years before.

Beau in Belgium

642ndmost popular boys' name in Belgium in 2025
2005peak year (59 births)
1,044babies named Beau in Belgium since 1995
03059 1995200020052010201520202025
Births per year in Belgium. Source: Statbel, names given at least 5 times a year.

Sibling names for Beau

Names from the same generation as Beau, whose popularity in the United States has followed a similar path.

For a sister

For a brother

How many people are named Beau? See the counter → · What would your name be in 1950? · Name origin quiz

Compare Beau with another name

Meaning, origin and popularity of Beau side by side with the name of your choice.

Beau in our baby name lists

Frequently asked questions

What does the name Beau mean?

Beau means "handsome" in French, from the Latin bellus.

What is the origin of the name Beau?

French, used in English.

Is Beau a girl's or a boy's name?

Beau is a boy's name.

How popular is the name Beau?

In 2024, Beau was the 69th most popular name for baby boys in the United States, with 4,694 births.

What are good sibling names for Beau?

Names from the same generation, with a similar popularity in the United States: Ivy, Aurora, Catalina and Willow for a sister, August, Bennett, Ezra and Ezekiel for a brother.

Who are famous people named Beau?

Beau Bridges, actor; Beau Brummell, dandy.