Beau

Beau comes from the French beau, meaning "handsome" or "beautiful," derived from the Latin bellus, meaning "fair" or "lovely." In 18th and 19th century English society, a "beau" referred to a fashionable, well-dressed gentleman — a dandy or escort. As a name, Beau retains that association with easy attractiveness and a certain effortless charm.

Beau ranks #156 among America's most popular pet names, and it is one of those names where the meaning does a lot of the work. Owners who choose Beau are, without saying it directly, announcing that their companion is the most handsome creature in the room. The name has a Southern American warmth that makes it feel simultaneously fashionable and timeless — it fits equally well in a coastal city or a countryside farmhouse. Beau suits companions with a certain natural grace and the confidence to wear it without trying.