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Home › Baby Names Directory › Buster

Buster

♂ Boy

Pronounced BUS-ter /ˈbʌs.tər/High

Meaning: From the English nickname buster, 'a lively, spirited boy; a little fellow' (and 'one who breaks something'); a term of affectionLow

In 30 seconds: A lively little fellow: Buster is a playful English nickname. Warm, plucky, and homey.
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Origin LowEnglish
MeaningFrom the English nickname buster, 'a lively, spirited boy; a little fellow' (and 'one who breaks something'); a term of affection
U.S. rank (2025)#6871 ↘ Falling
2025 U.S. births12 boys (0.00% of U.S. boys)
Peak year1918
Total births (all-time)≈ 8,173

Popularity in the U.S. · SSA data

peak 191818802025

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

SSA data updated May 2026. How we source & verify this data.

History & Origin

Buster comes from the English nickname buster, 'a lively, spirited boy; a little fellow' (and 'one who breaks something') — a term of affection. The comedian Buster Keaton made it famous. A warm, plucky name (said 'BUS-ter'; nickname Bus).

In the U.S. it appears as a nickname. Rare as a formal name, a-lively-little-fellow at the root, and plucky.

Did you know? Buster is an English nickname for 'a lively, spirited boy; a little fellow' (also 'one who breaks something') — a warm, plucky term of affection (the comedian Buster Keaton bore it; said 'BUS-ter').
Overall data confidence 50%
References — Buster — nickname origin

Variations

BussBus

Nicknames

Bus

Famous Bearers

  • Famous bearers coming soon.

If you like Buster…

Buddy— a fellow homey nickname boys' name
Gus— a sound-neighbor homey boys' name
Duke— a companion plucky boys' name
Ace— another plucky nickname boys' name

Explore names like Buster

By themeenglishnickname-name
By meaningLoveLife

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Frequently Asked

What does the name Buster mean?

Buster is an English nickname — 'a lively, spirited boy; a little fellow'.

How do you pronounce Buster?

It's said BUS-ter /ˈbʌs.tər/ — two syllables, stress on the first.

Is Buster a boy or girl name?

Buster is a boy's name.

How popular is Buster?

Buster is a rare name in the U.S.

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