Beau
Meaning & Origin
Beau comes directly from the French word beau, meaning “handsome” or “beautiful.” Long used informally as a nickname for a boyfriend or admirer, it has become a fully independent given name prized for its short, charming sound.
Popularity
Beau has climbed quickly into the top 150 boy names in the US over the past decade, part of the broader trend toward short, charming one-syllable names for boys.
Nicknames & Variations
Beau is typically used as-is. Spelling variants include Bo.
Similar Names
Finn, Wyatt, Rhett, Jasper, and Sawyer share Beau’s short, charming Southern appeal.
Personality & Trivia
Beau is often seen as charming and easygoing, taken straight from the French word for “handsome.” Its short, Southern-tinged sound has made it a fast-rising favorite among one-syllable boy names.
Famous People Named Beau
- Beau Bridges, actor
- Beau Biden, former Delaware Attorney General and son of President Joe Biden
Quick Facts
- Gender: Boy
- Origin: French
- Meaning: “Handsome”
- Pronunciation: BOH