Beau is a given name of French origin that has gained popularity in recent years. It is derived from the French word "beau," which means "handsome" or "beautiful." The name Beau has been used traditionally as a masculine given name, but it can also be used for girls.
The use of Beau as a given name can be traced back to the Middle Ages in France. It was often used as a nickname for boys who were considered attractive or handsome. Over time, Beau became more commonly used as a formal given name, particularly among French nobility.
In English-speaking countries, Beau began to gain popularity during the late 19th and early 20th centuries. It was often used as a given name for boys in families with French ancestry or connections. Today, Beau is still most commonly used as a boy's name, but it has also been used occasionally for girls.
Some famous people named Beau include American actor Beau Bridges and Australian cricket player Beau Webster. Despite its popularity, Beau remains a relatively uncommon given name compared to more traditional names like John or Michael. Nonetheless, it continues to be used by parents who appreciate its unique sound and French origins.
The name Beau has seen a significant increase in popularity over the past century, with a marked spike in usage from around the mid-1970s onwards. From having fewer than ten instances per year between 1932 and 1974, there were suddenly over 200 Beaus born annually starting in 1975. This trend has continued to accelerate, with Beau becoming one of the most popular boys' names today, reaching a peak of nearly 4100 births in 2023. Overall, since records began in 1932 until now, there have been over 55,698 babies named Beau.