MallowbyNames

Bebe

BEE-bee · Of uncertain origin; often used as a nickname or short form of names beginning with B or as a variant of Bébé.

Peak popularity
1932
Usually for
Girls
Trend
Holding steady

Holding steady.

Popularity of Bebe since 1904

Babies named Bebe per year in U.S. Social Security records.

204161192019602000Most births 1932Girls
Data table (by decade)
DecadeGirls
1900s46
1910s134
1920s449
1930s319
1940s168
1950s211
1960s66
1970s13
1980s5
1990s5
2000s80
2010s57
2020s26

Meaning & origin

Bebe is a name of uncertain origin, likely a modern nickname or a variant of Bébé, French for 'baby'. It first appeared in U.S. records in 1904 and saw its peak usage in 1932. Despite its low frequency, the name has experienced sporadic use over the decades. With no state-level concentration, Bebe remains a rare choice, often chosen for its sweet, simple sound. Its stable trajectory suggests occasional but enduring appeal.

Bebe is likely a modern coinage or a nickname form, possibly derived from the French bébé meaning 'baby'. It emerged in the early 20th century as an informal given name, often used as a term of endearment. Its use as a legal name gained some popularity in the 1930s.

Nicknames & variants

Nicknames: Bee

Variants: BeBe, Bébé

Sibling names for Bebe

Names that share Bebe's style, for a brother or sister.

Sisters: Daisy, Molly, Lily, Ruby, Poppy

Brothers: Max, Leo, Jack, Finn, Charlie

A parent animal hugging its little one, the personalized name page

B is for Bebe, our favorite little girl.

B is for Bebe…”

In a Mallowby alphabet book, Bebe's letter becomes Bebe's page: hand-illustrated, printed hardcover or paperback, made just for them.

Make Bebe's book

Books for siblings or grandkids? The second book is 15% off.

Questions parents ask

Is Bebe a boy's or girl's name?
Bebe is primarily used for girls, though it can be unisex.
What does the name Bebe mean?
The meaning is uncertain; it may be a nickname or derived from the French word for 'baby'.
How popular is Bebe today?
Bebe is not currently ranked in the top 1000 U.S. baby names. Its peak usage was in 1932.