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Buster Boy

Popularity: #911 · Trend: ↘ Falling

Name Meaning & Origin Pronunciation: BUS-ter //ˈbʌstər//

Origin: English; American

Meaning: English: tough guy; American: playful nickname

Historical & Cultural Background

The name Buster is believed to have originated in the United States in the late 19th century, deriving from the English word 'bust,' which means to break or smash. The term 'buster' was used colloquially to refer to someone who breaks things or is a strong, boisterous person.

This informal usage likely contributed to its adoption as a given name, reflecting a sense of strength or robustness. The name may also have connections to the earlier term 'bustle,' which conveys a sense of energy and liveliness, further enhancing its appeal as a masculine name.

Historically, the name gained traction in American culture during the early 20th century, particularly through its association with popular figures in entertainment and sports. One notable milestone was the rise of Buster Keaton, a silent film star known for his physical comedy and innovative filmmaking techniques in the 1920s.

His prominence helped solidify the name's association with humor and resilience, as Keaton's characters often faced and overcame significant challenges. Additionally, the name appears in various cultural references, including literature and music, which contributed to its recognition during this period.

Culturally, Buster has been embraced for its connotations of strength and playfulness, often associated with a spirited or adventurous personality. The name has also been used in various fictional contexts, further embedding it in the cultural lexicon.

While diminutive forms like 'Busty' may arise informally, they have not achieved the same level of recognition as the full name. Overall, Buster reflects a blend of linguistic roots and cultural significance that has allowed it to endure in various contexts.

Famous people named Buster

Buster Keaton was an actor and director best known for The General, Steamboat Bill, Jr., and Sherlock Jr..
Buster Posey is a former baseball player best known for his time with the San Francisco Giants, winning three World Series championships.

Fictional characters named Buster

Buster Bunny is a fictional character from the animated television series Tiny Toon Adventures. He is a young rabbit who aspires to be a cartoon superstar and often finds himself in comedic situations with his friends.

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U.S. Historical Usage

The name Buster was first seen in the United States in 1880. Buster has ranked as high as #639 nationally, which occurred in 1918, and has been most popular in Texas, South Carolina, Oklahoma, North Carolina, and Alabama. In the past 5 years the name Buster has been trending down compared to the previous 5 years.

Popularity Over Time (National)

Top States for Buster (2020)

State Births Share
CA 5
100%

Popularity Over Time (National) — Table

YearBirths
18808
18815
18829
18837
188411
188514
188617
188710
18887
188915
18908
189113
18929
189313
189415
189516
189621
189719
189811
189916
190025
190118
190229
190323
190440
190552
190660
190764
190871
190985
191098
1911110
1912140
1913155
1914186
1915214
1916219
1917206
1918246
1919219
1920207
1921233
1922184
1923194
1924201
1925191
1926148
1927181
1928148
1929135
1930142
1931114
1932138
1933116
1934114
1935105
1936105
1937116
193875
193978
194095
194166
194293
194385
194475
194581
194683
194778
194882
194974
195095
195191
195271
195379
195460
195563
195665
195772
195855
195943
196055
196139
196246
196331
196434
196542
196637
196719
196821
196931
197020
197127
197228
197320
197421
197522
197627
197731
197826
197935
198023
198122
198219
198321
198422
198517
198615
198712
198816
198912
199018
199116
199217
199315
199412
199519
199613
199710
199811
199910
20008
200114
20029
20036
200410
200514
20066
200713
200811
20098
201011
201114
201211
201312
201418
201517
201613
201713
201810
201912
202011
20217
202221
202312
202413