Bol
A boy's name of African origin with 29 recorded U.S. births.
Meaning & Origin
Only 29 babies have been named Bol in recorded U.S. history. That level of rarity means your child would almost certainly be the only one in their school, their workplace, and most rooms they walk into — a genuinely one-of-a-kind choice.
Bol is not in the current top 1,000 boy names nationally, making it an uncommon choice — though your state or community may differ.
Bol is a boy's baby name primarily used in South Sudanese communities, particularly among the Dinka people of South Sudan. In Dinka culture, Bol is a traditional masculine name with deep roots in the community's naming practices. It is one of the most recognizable Dinka names in the South Sudanese diaspora — straightforward, unambiguous, and carrying real cultural identity.
The name is strikingly short — one syllable, three letters — which gives it an unusual presence among English-language names. It reads as both ancient and modern: stripped down, impossible to mispronounce once you know it, and carrying the specificity of a particular people and place. For families from South Sudan, Bol is an anchor to home. Its very brevity makes it memorable.
EtymologyShow more
Bol first shows up in U.S. Social Security records in 2004. A twenty-first-century entry, Bol belongs to the newest generation of American names — often coined, blended, or borrowed from international sources.
Its African classification suggests a path from african linguistic traditions into American usage, though the specific route — whether through immigration, literature, or cultural exchange — would require deeper historical research.
At a Glance
Popularity Over Time
Bol has 5+ years of history in the U.S., first appearing in 2004.
Popularity by Decade
| Decade | Births | Trend |
|---|---|---|
| 2020s | 6 | ▼ |
| 2010s | 12 | ▲ |
| 2000s | 11 | — |
The Story of Bol
A Gen Z name
Peaking in 2011, Bol is a name that defines a generation. Boys named Bol are most likely born between 2004 and 2020.
How rare is Bol?
With fewer than 500 recorded births, Bol is an exceptionally rare name — a one-of-a-kind choice.
The journey through the decades
First appeared in the records in 2004, peaked in the 2010s with 12 births that decade, and remains solidly popular today.
Year-by-Year Data
View complete yearly data(5 years, 2004–2020)
| Year | Births | Rank |
|---|---|---|
| 2020 | 6 | #10777 |
| 2018 | 5 | #12420 |
| 2011 | 7 | #9742 |
| 2009 | 5 | #12724 |
| 2004 | 6 | #10117 |
Source: U.S. Social Security Administration. Showing years with 5+ recorded births.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Bol a boy's or girl's name?
When was Bol most popular?
How popular is the name Bol?
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Data source: U.S. Social Security Administration, 2004–2020