Bode
Bode is a boy name of Germanic origin meaning “Messenger”, pronounced BOH-dee. It ranked #748 in the United States in 2025, given to 347 babies, and peaked at #748 in 2025. Common nicknames: Bo, Bodie.
How popular is Bode in the United States?
Data: U.S. Social Security Administration (SSA). Based on all Social Security card applications for births in the United States.
What does Bode mean, and where does it come from?
Bode comes from the Germanic bodo, "messenger" or "herald," surviving as a surname across northern Germany, the Netherlands and Scandinavia. Americans know it almost entirely through one person: the alpine racer Bode Miller, whose parents took the name from a family friend, and whose World Cup and Olympic career through the 2000s put it into the charts — the name appears in birth records from 1998 and reached the top thousand in 2006. It fits the current taste for one-syllable boys' names ending in a vowel sound, beside Beau, Cole and Rhodes, while meaning something older and more particular than any of them.
Variations & Nicknames
Variations
Nicknames
Famous People Named Bode
- Bode Miller — American alpine ski racer and Olympic gold medallist
Similar Names to Bode
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Sibling Name Ideas for Bode
Looking for names that pair well with Bode? Here are some sibling name suggestions that share a similar style and feel.
Frequently Asked Questions
What does the name Bode mean?
Bode is a boy name of Germanic origin meaning "Messenger." Bode comes from the Germanic bodo, "messenger" or "herald," surviving as a surname across northern Germany, the Netherlands and Scandinavia. Americans know it almost entirely through one person: the alpine racer Bode Miller, whose parents took the name from a family friend, and whose World Cup and Olympic career through the 2000s put it into the charts — the name appears in birth records from 1998 and reached the top thousand in 2006.
How do you pronounce Bode?
Bode is pronounced BOH-dee. Common variations include Bodhi, Bodie, Boden.
Is Bode a boy name?
Yes, Bode is traditionally a boy name. Popular nicknames include Bo, Bodie.