Bocephus, originating from the Southern United States, is an uncommon yet distinctive given name of unknown etymology. It gained notable recognition through association with American musician Hank Williams Jr., whose birth name was Randall Hank Williams. He popularized the nickname 'Bocephus,' which he attributed to his maternal grandfather's mispronunciation of his own childhood nickname, 'Little Boy.' The name has since been used sparingly but carries a strong Southern rural charm and musical association.
The name Bocephus experienced a notable spike in popularity between 2021 and 2023, with births nearly tripling during this period (from 9 in 2021 to 28 in 2023). However, prior to this, the name's usage was quite low and sporadic, ranging from 5 to 8 births per year between 1986 and 2018.