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Boston

♂ Boy

Pronounced BAW-ston /ˈbɔː.stən/High

Meaning: From the English town of Boston, Lincolnshire, named for Saint Botolph and his stone church: from Botolph (an Old English personal name) and stan ('stone'), meaning 'Botolph's stone' or 'the stone of Botolph'High

In 30 seconds: Boston means 'Botolph's stone' — a medieval English town name that became one of America's most storied cities. As a boys' name it projects confident American heritage.
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Origin HighOld English
MeaningFrom the English town of Boston, Lincolnshire, named for Saint Botolph and his stone church: from Botolph (an Old English personal name) and stan ('stone'), meaning 'Botolph's stone' or 'the stone of Botolph'
U.S. rank (2025)#620 ↗ Rising
2025 U.S. births451 boys (0.02% of U.S. boys)
Peak year2014
Total births (all-time)≈ 10,899

Popularity in the U.S. · SSA data

peak 201418802025

U.S. births per year (Social Security Administration, 1880–present). Pink marker = peak year.

History & Origin

Boston is an English place-name from the Lincolnshire market town of Boston, derived from Botolph's stan ('stone') — named for Saint Botolph, the patron saint of travelers, who founded a monastery there. The American city of Boston was settled in 1630 by Puritans from Lincolnshire who named it after their home town.

Boston as a given name emerged in the United States in the late 20th century, following the broader fashion for place-names and city-names as boys' names (Dallas, Austin, Camden, Denver). It projects American pride, New England heritage, and the sports culture of Boston's major league teams. It has ranked in the U.S. top 300 boys' names.

Did you know? Boston, Massachusetts, is named after Boston, Lincolnshire — the English hometown of many Puritan settlers who crossed the Atlantic in 1630 — making the American city's name a direct etymological bridge to a medieval English saint's church.
Overall data confidence 88%
Behind the Name — Boston — place-name etymologyU.S. Social Security Administration — popularity data

Variations

BostBosten

Nicknames

Bos

Famous Bearers

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If you like Boston…

Austin— American city-name boys' name with the same two-syllable, confident national heritage feel
Dallas— American city-name boys' name with the same bold, Western American identity
Denver— American city-name boys' name with the same pioneering regional pride
Camden— Old English -den place-name with the same surname-name energy and American appeal

Frequently Asked

What does the name Boston mean?

Boston comes from the English place-name meaning 'Botolph's stone,' named for Saint Botolph. It was adopted as a given name through its association with Boston, Massachusetts.

How do you pronounce Boston?

It is said BAW-ston — two syllables with stress on the first.

Is Boston a boy or girl name?

Boston is used predominantly as a boys' name.

How popular is Boston?

Boston has ranked in the U.S. top 300 boys' names in recent years, popular with parents who want a strong American city name.