Boston: Meaning, origin and popularity
Pronounced BAWS-tuhn · 2 syllables
The US city is named after the English town (from which several prominent colonists had come), which itself is sometimes said to be named as a contraction of Botolph's town or Botolph's stone (the name Botolph itself coming from Old English Botwulf, from boda + wulf). However, this is uncertain.
- Origin
- English
- Pronunciation
- BAWS-tuhn
- US rank (2025)
- #620
- US babies a year
- about 497 (2021–2025)
- Peak
- around 2020
How popular is Boston?
Boston was the #620 name in the US in 2025, given to 505 babies. Its use has been fairly steady over the last decade. It peaked around 2020.
Around the world
| Country | Rank |
|---|---|
| United States | #620 |
| Scotland | #892 |
| Canada | #960 |
| Australia | #352 |
How old are people named Boston?
Half of US adults named Boston are older than 21; most are between 18 and 40. (Estimated from US births by year and life tables.)
Names like Boston
Chosen by the same families or with a similar style and era.
Questions about Boston
How do you pronounce Boston?
Boston is pronounced BAWS-tuhn.
How popular is the name Boston?
Boston was the #620 name in the US in 2025, given to 505 babies. Its use has been fairly steady over the last decade. It peaked around 2020.
How old are people named Boston?
Half of US adults named Boston are older than 21. Most are between 18 and 40.