Rising since 2004, #3,181 for boys today.
Popularity of Bosco since 1998
Babies named Bosco per year in U.S. Social Security records.
Data table (by decade)
| Decade | Boys |
|---|---|
| 1990s | 6 |
| 2000s | 56 |
| 2010s | 203 |
| 2020s | 167 |
Meaning & origin
Bosco is a name of Italian origin, most famously associated with Saint John Bosco (Don Bosco), a 19th-century priest dedicated to educating poor children. Though rare in the U.S., it has seen a gradual rise in use since 2004. In 2025, it ranked 3,181st with about 1 in 46,164 newborn boys given the name, and its popularity peaked in the same year. The name is most common in New York, California, and Texas, reflecting its Italian-American heritage. Bosco remains a distinctive choice for families honoring religious tradition or Italian roots, and it saw a notable increase in use during the 2020s.
Bosco is primarily an Italian surname and given name, often associated with the Italian word 'bosco' meaning 'wood' or 'forest'. It may have originated as a topographic name for someone living near a woods, or as a nickname. In some cases, it could be a short form of names like Ambrogio (Emiliano) or other names containing the element. The name is also strongly linked to Saint John Bosco (Don Bosco), a 19th-century Italian priest known for his work with youth, which has contributed to its use among Catholic families.
Where Bosco is most popular
Births per 100,000 boys by state, 2025. The lightest shade means too few recorded births.
“Bosco” around the world
Where Bosco lands in the latest official birth statistics abroad, matched to the U.S. spelling.
France
40
babies in 2024
Sources: INSEE (France).
Sibling names for Bosco
Names that share Bosco's style, for a brother or sister.
