Rising since 1990, #423 for boys today.
Popularity of Boone since 1889
Babies named Boone per year in U.S. Social Security records.
Data table (by decade)
| Decade | Boys |
|---|---|
| 1880s | 5 |
| 1890s | 0 |
| 1900s | 5 |
| 1910s | 55 |
| 1920s | 89 |
| 1930s | 41 |
| 1940s | 13 |
| 1950s | 14 |
| 1960s | 23 |
| 1970s | 102 |
| 1980s | 225 |
| 1990s | 290 |
| 2000s | 496 |
| 2010s | 2,300 |
| 2020s | 3,229 |
Meaning & origin
Boone is a surname-turned-first-name that has been in use since at least 1889, but its modern appeal is driven by a rugged, outdoorsy image. After a long period of obscurity, it began climbing in popularity around 1990 and has been on a steady upward trajectory, reaching its highest rank ever of 423 in 2025. That year, about 1 in 2,242 boys received the name, and it is particularly favored in states like Montana, South Dakota, and Idaho. Boone's rise reflects a broader trend of short, strong, nature-associated names that feel both classic and fresh. While its literal meaning is uncertain, its connection to the legendary explorer Daniel Boone gives it a distinctly American frontier spirit that continues to resonate with parents looking for a name that is straightforward yet distinctive.
Boone is a surname-turned-first-name, most famously associated with American frontiersman Daniel Boone. The surname likely derives from the French word 'bon' meaning 'good', or alternatively from the Old English 'būn' meaning 'prayer' or 'boon'. It gained use as a given name in the late 19th century and has seen a resurgence since the 1990s.
Where Boone is most popular
Births per 100,000 boys by state. Press play or drag the slider to watch it move across the decades. The lightest shade means too few recorded births.
Sibling names for Boone
Names that share Boone's style, for a brother or sister.
