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Butler

♂ Boy

How to Pronounce Butler

Pronounced BUT-ler /ˈbʌt.lər/High

Meaning: The English occupational surname Butler, from Anglo-Norman 'butuiller' ('bottle-bearer, chief servant in charge of wine'), from Old French 'bouteille'. Used as a given name in the early-1900s surname-name fashion.Medium

In 30 seconds: Butler is the occupational surname — originally the household 'bottle-bearer' — used as an early-1900s first name. A sturdy two-beat name from the surname-name era.

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Origin MediumEnglish, French

MeaningThe English occupational surname Butler, from Anglo-Norman 'butuiller' ('bottle-bearer, chief servant in charge of wine'), from Old French 'bouteille'. Used as a given name in the early-1900s surname-name fashion.

U.S. rank (1996)#8085 ↗ Rising

1996 U.S. births6 boys (0.00% of U.S. boys)

Peak year1919

Total births (all-time)≈ 987

Popularity in the U.S. · SSA data

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

Butler is an English occupational surname, from Anglo-Norman butuiller, the 'bottle-bearer' or chief servant in charge of the wine cellar (from Old French bouteille). Like many trade surnames, it was used as a boy's first name around 1900.

Part of the early-1900s surname-name fashion, Butler faded as a given name through the 20th century, and remains far better known today as a surname than a first name.

Did you know? A medieval butler wasn't a general servant but the officer in charge of the wine — the word comes from 'bouteille,' bottle.

Overall data confidence 70%

References — Butler — occupational surname; Anglo-Norman 'butuiller'

Variations

ButlarButtler

Nicknames

ButButch

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If you like Butler…

Carter— same occupational-surname-as-first-name pattern

Mason— a like trade surname used for boys

Tucker— shares the sturdy two-beat sound

Cooper— another occupational surname turned first name

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Frequently Asked

What does the name Butler mean?

Butler is an occupational surname meaning 'bottle-bearer' or chief servant in charge of the wine, from Old French, used as a given name.

How do you pronounce Butler?

It's said BUT-ler /ˈbʌt.lər/ — two syllables, stress on the first.

Is Butler a boy or girl name?

Butler is used as a boy's name.

How popular is Butler?

Butler is an old-fashioned surname-name, used around the turn of the twentieth century and uncommon as a first name since.