Rising since 2000, #748 for boys today.
Popularity of Bode since 1998
Babies named Bode per year in U.S. Social Security records.
Data table (by decade)
| Decade | Boys |
|---|---|
| 1990s | 15 |
| 2000s | 913 |
| 2010s | 2,147 |
| 2020s | 1,684 |
Meaning & origin
Bode is a modern name that first appeared in U.S. records in 1998. As of 2025, it ranks 748th, with approximately 1 in 4,922 boys receiving the name. Its peak year is 2025, and it has been steadily rising in popularity since the 2000s. The name is most common in New Hampshire, Maine, and West Virginia. While its exact origin is uncertain, Bode is often viewed as a variant of the Sanskrit-derived Bodhi, contributing to its appeal among parents seeking a short, distinctive name with a spiritual undertone. Despite its recent vintage, Bode has carved out a niche in the landscape of American baby names, particularly in regions favoring crisp, two-syllable boy names.
The name Bode appears to be a modern coinage, possibly influenced by the Sanskrit-derived name Bodhi, which gained popularity in the United States in the early 2000s. It may also be a respelling or diminutive of Bodey, a surname of German origin. There is no clear traditional etymology; the name is primarily a contemporary invention.
Where Bode is most popular
Births per 100,000 boys by state, 2025. The lightest shade means too few recorded births.
Nicknames & variants
Sibling names for Bode
Names that share Bode's style, for a brother or sister.
