Find out how popular the first name Butch has been for the last 50 years (from 1974 to 2023) and learn more about the meaning and history.

Popularity of Butch by gender

Based on the last 50 years of data, Butch is exclusively a male name.

For the most recent data in 2023, there were 10 male babies and 0 female babies born with the name Butch.

The history of the first name Butch

The name Butch has its origins in the English language, deriving from the Middle English word "boche," which meant a male deer or stag. This word itself can be traced back to the Old French "boche," meaning a bundle or lump, possibly referring to the rounded shape of a stag's hindquarters.

During the late 19th and early 20th centuries, the term "Butch" started being used as a nickname or shortened form of names like Butcher or Hutchinson. It was initially associated with a rugged, masculine demeanor, particularly among working-class men.

One of the earliest recorded uses of Butch as a given name dates back to the late 19th century. In 1882, a professional baseball player named Butch Olson played for the Milwaukee Brewers. However, it wasn't until the mid-20th century that Butch gained wider popularity as a first name in its own right.

Throughout history, several notable individuals have borne the name Butch. For example, Butch Cassidy (born Robert LeRoy Parker, 1866-1908) was a famous American train robber and the leader of the Wild Bunch gang in the American Old West. Another well-known figure was Butch Hartman (born Randolph Wilkins Hartman IV, 1965), an American animator, producer, and voice actor best known for creating the Nickelodeon animated series "The Fairly OddParents" and "Danny Phantom."

In the world of sports, Butch Huskey (born William Leon Huskey Jr., 1971) was a professional baseball player who played for several Major League Baseball teams, including the New York Mets and the Seattle Mariners. Butch Vig (born Bryan David Vig, 1955) is a renowned American record producer, musician, and songwriter, best known as the drummer and co-producer of the alternative rock band Garbage.

Butch Hartman, the American animator, producer, and voice actor, was born in 1965 and is still active in the industry today. His creation, "The Fairly OddParents," has been a popular and influential animated series since its debut in 2001.

While Butch is primarily an English name, it has been adopted and used in various cultures and countries around the world, often as a nickname or shortened form of longer names. However, its origins can be traced back to the Middle English language and its association with masculinity and ruggedness.

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 Butch was researched and written by our team of onomatology and genealogy experts.

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

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