Find out how popular the first name Boston has been for the last 47 years (from 1977 to 2023) and learn more about the meaning and history.

Popularity of Boston by gender

Based on the last 47 years of data, Boston is more commonly used as a male name, with approximately 91% of people named Boston being male.

For the most recent data in 2023, there were 429 male babies and 41 female babies born with the name Boston.

Yes—according to the SSA data, 41 baby girls were named Boston in 2023, despite it being a predominantly male name. We'd love to know why!

The history of the first name Boston

The given name Boston is an unusual one, with its origins shrouded in mystery and speculation. While its exact roots remain unclear, it is believed to have originated from the Old English word "botm," which translates to "bottom" or "valley." This linguistic connection suggests that the name may have been derived from a geographic location or a place name.

One of the earliest known references to the name Boston can be traced back to the 7th century, when it appeared in the Anglo-Saxon Chronicle. This historical record documented the founding of a settlement called "Botolphston," which later evolved into the modern-day city of Boston, Lincolnshire, England. It is possible that the name was initially used to describe someone who hailed from this particular region.

Throughout the Middle Ages, the name Boston remained relatively obscure and was primarily confined to certain areas of England. However, its popularity received a significant boost in the late 16th century when the Puritan settlers established the city of Boston, Massachusetts, in the New World. This event not only cemented the name's association with a prominent location but also introduced it to a broader audience.

One of the earliest recorded individuals bearing the name Boston was Boston Buriensis, a 12th-century English monk and historian. He is best known for his writings on the history of the city of Boston, Lincolnshire, and his contributions to chronicling the events of his time.

In the 17th century, Boston Trent, an English playwright and poet, gained recognition for his works. Born in 1631, he is remembered for his satirical plays and poems that often explored the social and political issues of his era.

During the American Revolutionary War, Boston Corbett, a Union Army soldier, gained notoriety for being the person who fatally shot and killed John Wilkes Booth, the assassin of President Abraham Lincoln, in 1865.

In the realm of sports, Boston Celtics legend Bob Cousy, born in 1928, was given the first name Boston by his French-American parents, although the reasons behind this choice remain unclear.

More recently, Boston Russell, born in 1975, is an American actor and director known for his roles in various television shows and films, including the popular sitcom "Girlfriends."

While the name Boston may have originated from humble beginnings, its association with significant historical events and notable individuals has imbued it with a unique character and enduring legacy.

Data source

The first name data used on this page comes from the Social Security Administration (SSA). They've been collecting data on baby names since 1880.

The history and meaning of the name Boston was researched and written by our team of onomatology and genealogy experts.

If you have a correction or suggestion to improve the history of Boston, please contact us.

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