Holding steady, #6,803 for boys today.
Popularity of Buster since 1880
Babies named Buster per year in U.S. Social Security records. Raw births topped out in 1918, but relative to how few babies were recorded back then, Buster's real moment was 1909.
Data table (by decade)
| Decade | Boys |
|---|---|
| 1880s | 103 |
| 1890s | 141 |
| 1900s | 467 |
| 1910s | 1,793 |
| 1920s | 1,822 |
| 1930s | 1,103 |
| 1940s | 812 |
| 1950s | 694 |
| 1960s | 355 |
| 1970s | 257 |
| 1980s | 179 |
| 1990s | 141 |
| 2000s | 99 |
| 2010s | 131 |
| 2020s | 76 |
Meaning & origin
Buster first appeared in U.S. birth records in 1880, originally as a nickname or informal name. It reached its peak popularity in 1909, showing that it was most common in the early 20th century. Despite its low current usage, Buster has a stable trajectory, maintaining a steady but small presence. Its scarcity today makes it a distinctive choice for parents seeking a classic, punchy name.
Buster originated as a slang term in 19th-century America, meaning someone large or boisterous. It was popularized as a given name through affectionate nicknames and later adopted as a standalone first name.
Where Buster 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.
Nicknames & variants
Nicknames: Busty
Sibling names for Buster
Names that share Buster's style, for a brother or sister.
