Houston
Houston: name meaning, origin and popularity
Pronunciation (IPA): /Λh(j)uΛst(Ι)n/ Β· /ΛhjustΙn/
Meaning and origin of Houston
- A male given name transferred from the surname, of mainly American usage.
Etymology
Originally from a place near Glasgow, from the Middle English equivalent of "Hugh's town". Analyzable as Hugh + -s- + -ton
How popular is Houston?
Since 1880, 436 girls and 18,104 boys in the U.S. have been named Houston (2% girls). Its highest rank for girls was #4665 in 2021. Its highest rank for boys was #319 in 1901. In 2025 it ranked #675 for boys, with 413 babies given the name.
More Surname boy names
Sibling name ideas for Houston
Sister and brother names that share Houston's Surname roots and are still in the U.S. top 1,000.
Houston FAQ
What does the name Houston mean?
A male given name transferred from the surname, of mainly American usage. Originally from a place near Glasgow, from the Middle English equivalent of "Hugh's town". Analyzable as Hugh + -s- + -ton
What is the origin of the name Houston?
Houston is listed as a name of Surname (transferred from a surname) origin.
How popular is the name Houston?
Since 1880, 436 girls and 18,104 boys in the U.S. have been named Houston (2% girls). Its highest rank for girls was #4665 in 2021. Its highest rank for boys was #319 in 1901. In 2025 it ranked #675 for boys, with 413 babies given the name.
Is Houston a boy or girl name?
Houston is mostly a boy name in the U.S.: 436 girls and 18,104 boys since 1880.
Popularity data: U.S. Social Security Administration baby name data, 1880β2025 (names given to 5+ babies per year). Origin and etymology text: Wiktionary, available under CC BY-SA 4.0.