Etymology & Historical Origin of the Baby Name Beau

Beau is the French word for “the beautiful” from the Latin “bellus” meaning “handsome, fine, agreeable, pretty.” It first developed as a nickname, as with George “Beau” Brummell, an early 19th century arbiter of men’s fashion in England (known as dandyism). This stylish trendsetter is often credited with the creation of the modern man’s suit and tie (no wonder he was given such a handsome nickname). Beau’s adoption as an independently given masculine name seems to have been instigated by British author P.C. Wren’s 1924 adventure novel, “Beau Geste” (several film adaptations followed), about Michael “Beau” Geste who leaves England and joins the French Foreign Legion (see literary references below). Margaret Mitchell also used the name Beauregard in her best selling 1936 novel, “Gone with the Wind,” as the baby born to Melanie and Ashley Wilkes. By the mid 20th century, Beau became a more commonly used masculine name and is currently most popular in Australia (ranked #40 Down Under).

All About the Baby Name – Beau

Personality

OF THE BOY NAME BEAU

The number 11 is a Master Number, and embodies heightened traits of the Two. This personality is on a life journey to find spiritual truth. They are extremely idealistic and intuitive. Elevens have a rare and exceptional spiritual energy that brings a sense of obligation to illuminate the world around them. It's a very powerful responsibility, but these people have far more potential than they know. It's important that they surrender to higher ideals. They have the capacity to see the bigger picture, and they possess the skills to inspire others spiritually. Elevens have strong diplomatic skills and can become great peacemakers. Master numbers can be both a blessing and a curse, as they walk the fine line between greatness and the potential for self-destruction.

Popularity

OF THE BOY NAME BEAU

The “beautiful” name Beau first appeared on the American male naming charts in 1967 which may have coincided with the start of Beau Bridge’s acting career in Hollywood. The name gained some ground in the 1970s, but the height of its popularity was during the early 1980s (still only moderate usage). The name declined in popularity during the 1990s but as we’ve entered the 21st century it appears to be climbing back up the charts. The name Beau was given to a little over 1,000 baby boys born in 2012 keeping it fresh and original. Bo is an alternate spelling that also shows up on the male naming charts (although their etymologies are unrelated). Beauregard and Beauford are also similar. Beau is an adorable name for any “handsome, beautiful” baby garçon out there, and one which ages nicely into adulthood – it’s like naming your daughter Belle (also a French word for “beautiful”).

Quick Facts

ON BEAU

GENDER:

Boy

ORIGIN:

French

NUMBER OF SYLLABLES:

1

RANKING POPULARITY:

270

PRONUNCIATION:

BO

SIMPLE MEANING:

Beautiful

Characteristics

OF BEAU

Inspirational

Highly Intuitive

Spiritual Teacher

Extremely Bright

Uplifting

Truth-seeker

Cultural References to the Baby Name – Beau

Literary Characters

OF THE BABY NAME BEAU

Beau is the protagonist of the 1924 novel of the same name by British author Percival Christopher Wren, but better known by its 1939 film adaptation starring Gary Cooper. Beau (Michael) is one of three English Geste brothers who join the French Foreign Legion in order to avoid a familial scandal not of their making. This is a delicious, romantic old tale of derring-do and of brotherly love and loyalty. Unfortunately, Beau goes to his death as an honorable Legionnaire in French Africa; he would have made a welcome addition to anyone’s English countryside estate.

Childrens Books

ON THE BABY NAME BEAU

We cannot find any childrens books with the first name Beau


Popular Songs

ON BEAU

Brand New Beau
a song by Amanda Marshall

Beau Soir
a song by Barbra Streisand

Famous People

NAMED BEAU

Lloyd “Beau” Bridges (actor)
George “Beau” Brummell (fashion dandy)

Children of Famous People

NAMED BEAU

We cannot find any children of famous people with the first name Beau

Historic Figures

WITH THE NAME BEAU

We cannot find any historically significant people with the first name Beau