Boston

Pronunciation: [ b-AHST-uhn ]

Boy Name #628 Most Popular Rising 2 Syllables

Named for America's revolutionary capital city

English American

Bold Modern Strong Playful Unique

Meaning & Origin

"Botolph's town, market town"

Origin: Old English

Language: English

"from the settlement by the stone"

Origin: Anglo-Saxon

Language: English

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.

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

Famous People Named Boston

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

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

Bostyn #4944

Common Nicknames

Bo Bos

Pairs Well With

Boston James Boston Lee Boston William Boston Reid Boston Thomas

Sibling Names

Austin Denver Hudson Brooklyn Camden

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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Playground Safety

Kid-Friendly

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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 Bo and 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.

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.