Bo is of Scandinavian origin, derived from Old Norse words 'bjorn' and 'boi', meaning bear and farmhand respectively. It's often associated with strength and masculinity due to its connection with the bear. In some cultures, Bo is considered a unisex name, but it's traditionally more common among males. The name has been used in various forms throughout history, such as in Shakespeare's "As You Like It," where one of the characters is named Boyet. Today, Bo continues to be popular, often chosen for its simplicity and unique sound.
The name Bo has seen fluctuations in popularity over the years, with significant increases occurring recently. Between 1929 and 1995, there were fewer than 20 births each year, with a notable spike to 31 births in 1980. From 1996 onwards, however, there has been a consistent rise in the number of babies named Bo, with over 20 births annually since 2005 and peaks reaching as high as 42 births in 2021. This indicates that the name Bo has gained popularity and is now more frequently chosen for newborns compared to previous decades.