Beau is a given name of French origin and it means "handsome" or "beautiful." It comes from the Old French word "beau," which has the same meaning. The name Beau has been used in English-speaking countries for centuries, but it gained popularity as a given name in the United States during the mid-20th century.
The use of Beau as a given name can be traced back to at least the 17th century in England. It was often used as a nickname or pet name for boys who were considered handsome or attractive. In some cases, it may have also been used as a shortened form of other names such as Beauregard or Beausire.
Beau has been featured in popular culture throughout history. One notable example is Beau Geste, the title character of a novella written by P.C. Wren in 1924. The story follows three brothers who serve in the French Foreign Legion and has inspired several film adaptations. Additionally, Beau is the name of the protagonist in the novel "The Sun Also Rises" by Ernest Hemingway.
In recent years, Beau has become increasingly popular as a given name for boys. According to data from the Social Security Administration, it was one of the fastest-growing boy names in the United States between 2014 and 2019. While it is still relatively uncommon compared to more traditional boy names such as John or James, Beau's popularity continues to rise.
Overall, Beau is a distinctive given name with French origins that means "handsome" or "beautiful." Its use can be traced back centuries in English-speaking countries and has been featured in various works of literature and film. Despite its growing popularity, Beau remains a unique choice for parents looking for a memorable name for their son.
The name Beau has seen varying popularity over the years in the United States, with a significant increase in recent times. From 1977 to 2023, there have been a total of 885 births where the baby was named Beau.
Looking at the annual statistics, we can see that the number of babies named Beau remained relatively low from 1977 to 1994, with the highest being just 7 births in 1979. However, starting from 1999, there was a noticeable increase in popularity, with more than 6 births each year.
The years 2012 to 2023 saw a significant rise in the number of babies named Beau, with over 45 births each year. The most popular year for the name Beau was 2022, with 59 births. This trend suggests that the name Beau has become increasingly favored among parents in recent years.
In conclusion, while the name Beau may have had its ups and downs in popularity throughout the decades, it has experienced a notable resurgence since the late 1990s, particularly in recent years.