"Botolph's town, market town"
Origin: Old English
Language: English
Boston
Pronunciation: [ b-AHST-uhn ]
Does Boston flow with your last name?
Named for America's revolutionary capital city
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Nicknames
Nicknames for Boston
2 shorthand options for every setting
Meaning & Origin
"from the settlement by the stone"
Origin: Anglo-Saxon
Language: English
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The Story of Boston
Boston is an English place name derived from Botolph's town, referring to Saint Botolph, an Anglo-Saxon monk who founded a monastery around 654 AD. The city of Boston, Lincolnshire, England was named in his honor, and Massachusetts' Boston was founded in 1630 by Puritan colonists from that English town. As a given name, Boston reflects the modern trend of using significant American city names as masculine given names.
Boston emerged as a given name in the late 2000s and early 2010s alongside other geographic names like Camden, Hudson, and Denver. Its association with a historically significant and culturally rich American city gives it both gravitas and distinctiveness.
Boston, Massachusetts holds deep significance in American history as the site of the Boston Tea Party, the starting point of the American Revolution, and home to America's oldest university. These associations give the name an intellectual, patriotic resonance.
Historical Record
Boston first appeared in US Social Security records in 1950.
Over 10,031 babies have been named Boston in the United States since SSA records began.
Today, Boston is a hidden gem — rare but distinctive , currently ranked #628 for boy names in the US .
Fun Facts
- The city of Boston, Massachusetts was named after Boston, Lincolnshire, England, which itself honors the 7th-century monk Saint Botolph
- Boston is home to Harvard University (founded 1636), the oldest university in the United States
Boston in Other Languages
French
Boston
German
Boston
Chinese
Boshidun
Spanish
Boston
Japanese
Bosuton
Popularity Over Time
#628
Current Rank
Rising
Trend
Hidden Gem
Based on SSA data 1880–present
Year-by-year popularity data will be available soon.
Famous People Named Boston
B
Boston Rob Mariano
Entertainer
1975
Four-time Survivor contestant and winner known as Boston Rob, one of the most iconic reality TV personalities of all tim...
Four-time Survivor contestant and winner known as Boston Rob, one of the most iconic reality TV personalities of all time
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See all →Quick Facts
- Gender
- Boy
- Syllables
- 2
- Popularity Rank
- #628
- Total SSA Count
- 449
- Cultural Origins
- English American
- Pronunciation
- Easy
- Formality
- Moderate
- Cross-Cultural Ease
- High
Alternative Spellings
Common Nicknames
Bo
Bos
Middle Name Ideas
Suggested pairings based on syllable flow and style
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Timeless choice, English heritage match, extended 2-3 combo
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Timeless choice, English heritage match, extended 2-3 combo
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Timeless choice, smooth 2-2 syllable flow
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Timeless choice, smooth 2-1 syllable flow
-
Timeless choice, smooth 2-2 syllable flow
-
Timeless choice, English heritage match, extended 2-3 combo
-
Timeless choice, smooth 2-2 syllable flow
-
Timeless choice, smooth 2-2 syllable flow
-
Timeless choice, English heritage match, extended 2-3 combo
-
Timeless choice, smooth 2-2 syllable flow
Middle Names
Middle Names for Boston
5 name pairings with syllable flow tips
Sibling Names
Sibling Match
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Also a Girl Name
Boston is also used as a girl name, ranked #3561.
View Boston as a girl name →Similar Names
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Same Origin Names (English)
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Frequently Asked Questions About Boston
What does the name Boston mean?
"Botolph's town, market town" (from Old English). "from the settlement by the stone" (from Anglo-Saxon). Boston is an English place name derived from Botolph's town, referring to Saint Botolph, an Anglo-Saxon monk who founded a monastery around 654 AD. The city of Boston, Lincolnshire, England was named in his honor, and Massachusetts' Boston was founded in 1630 by Puritan colonists from that English town. As a given name, Boston reflects the modern trend of using significant American city names as masculine given names.
What is the origin of the name Boston?
Boston has Old English, Anglo-Saxon, English, and American origins. In Old English, it means "Botolph's town, market town". In Anglo-Saxon, it means "from the settlement by the stone".
Is Boston a boy or girl name?
Boston is used as both a boy and girl name. As a boy name, it is ranked #628. As a girl name, it is ranked #3561. Boston is more commonly used as a boy name.
How do you pronounce Boston?
Boston is pronounced b-AHST-uhn.
How popular is the name Boston?
Boston is currently ranked #628 in popularity for boy names in the United States.
What are common nicknames for Boston?
Common nicknames for Boston include Bos.
What are good middle names for Boston?
Popular middle name pairings include Boston James, Boston Lee, Boston William, Boston Reid, and Boston Thomas.
What are good sibling names for Boston?
Names that pair well with Boston as siblings include Austin, Denver, Hudson, Brooklyn, and Camden.
How many syllables does Boston have?
Boston has 2 syllables, making it easy to say and remember.
Is Boston a common or rare name?
Boston is moderately common, ranked #628 for boys in the US. You will encounter it, but it stands out.
What boy names are similar to Boston?
Are there other spellings for Boston?
Related spellings include Bostyn.
About the Name Boston
Boston is a boy name with English and American origins . The name means "Botolph's town, market town" in Old English .
Is Boston a boy or girl name? Boston is used as both a boy and girl name. As a boy name, it ranks #628 in popularity. As a girl name, it ranks #3,561. Boston is more commonly used as a boy name.
Boston is currently ranked #628 in popularity for boy names in the United States.
The name Boston has 2 syllables and is pronounced b-AHST-uhn, making it easy to pronounce and remember.
Common nicknames for Boston include Bo and Bos. These shorter forms provide casual alternatives while keeping the elegance of the full name.
Alternative spellings of Boston include Bostyn . Each spelling variation gives the name a slightly different character while preserving its sound and meaning.
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Sources
- U.S. Social Security Administration — National Baby Names Data (popularity rankings and historical trends)
- Behind the Name (etymology and meaning research)
- NamingEverything editorial research and analysis