Surname Boston - Meaning and Origin

My Journey Back in Time: Unravelling the Celtic Origins and Historical Significance of the Boston Surname Through Genetic Testing

The iGENEA DNA test has been a pivotal tool in unlocking the secrets embedded deep within my genes, revealing the origin and history of my surname, Boston. As the test corroborates, the surname Boston heralds from England, specifically from the medieval trade town of Boston in Lincolnshire, with roots steeped in Celtic lineage. This phenomenal discovery reveals the multifaceted roles Boston ancestors played, establishing them as influential figures within their communities.

J. Boston

Boston: What does the surname Boston mean?

The surname Boston is of English origin, derived from a place called Boston in Lincolnshire, England. The name Boston itself is believed to be a combination of the words "bot", meaning a dwelling, and "stow", meaning a holy place. Therefore, it is thought to mean "a holy place with a dwelling". Some hold the view that it could also be derived from "Bostan", which is an Old English word for "town where supplies are stored". It is a habitation name, given to individuals who lived in or around the town of Boston. This last name was brought to America by English immigrants in the early colonial period. So, someone with the last name Boston could have an ancestral connection to the Boston area in Lincolnshire or be descended from these early immigrants. Today, it remains a relatively uncommon surname. Its most famous bearer is perhaps the early American patriot, Samuel Adams, who was born in Boston, Massachusetts.

Boston: Where does the name Boston come from?

The surname Boston is of Anglo-Saxon origin, derived from a geographical locality in Lincolnshire, England. The name itself comes from "Botolph's stone" or "Botolph's town" in reference to St. Botolph, an English abbot and saint during the 7th century who had a church dedicated to him in the area. The name evolved over time to Boston.

As per various census records, the majority of individuals with the surname Boston in the world reside in the United States, followed by England and Australia. Hence, the Boston surname is most common today in America where many Boston immigrant families settled during the 17th and 18th centuries. Despite its origins, it is not among the most common surnames in England, having spread among English-speaking cultures rather than staying put in the place it originated.

Variations of the surname Boston

The surname Boston can be traced back to Celtic origins before appearing in England and Ireland, among other regions. It's believed to originally come from the personal name Baston, which is a derivative of Sebastian.

Different variations of the name in spelling and pronunciation evolved over time due to regional accents, illiteracy and cultural differences. Some of these variants include Bostan, Baston, Basten, Bostoun, Bostow, and Bostown. The name, in some of its derivatives, was even adopted as a first name - such is the case with Bastian or Sebastian.

Sometimes, the name also took different forms when family members migrated to other countries. For example, in Scotland, it appeared as Bouston and in the United States, it got anglicized to Boston. In Germany, the variation Boßten might be found, while in France, one might come across the version Bastien.

Despite so many variations, all these versions can be traced back to the same root and similar meaning, connecting to its original form in Celtic, which is thought to be a derivative of "Baston." Therefore, regardless of its spelling or pronunciation, it remains part of the same 'family' of surnames in a broader sense.

Famous people with the name Boston

• Rachel Boston: An American actress and producer known for her role in the TV series "In Plain Sight".
• David Boston: A retired American professional football player, who was a wide receiver in the National Football League.
• Barbara Boston: A British actress known for her role in the TV series "Bad Girls".
• Clive Boston: A former English cricketer.
• Jamie Boston: An Australian rugby league player.
• Drive-By Truckers: This is an American alternative country band led by two guitarists, Mike Cooley and Patterson Hood, but not individuals.
• William Boston: a journalist specializing in the auto industry, currently with The Wall Street Journal.
• Rufus Boston: A former American football player.
• Tiana Boston: An Afro-American professional model from Georgia.
• John Boston: John Robert Boston Jr. was a professional American football player and coach.
• Sir Thomas Boston: He was a British Army officer during World War II.
• Larry Boston: An American football player.
• Sophie Boston: An English poet and author.
• Danny Boston: An American economist, author, and Professor at Georgia Institute of Technology.
• Terry Boston: He is a well-known figure in the U.S. energy industry.
• Michael Boston: An American actor known for his role in the soap opera "Days of Our Lives". Remember this is just a selection and there may be many other famous individuals with the last name Boston.

Other surnames

Bostock