Booth is a unique and distinctive given name of English origin. It is derived from an occupational surname that was originally given to individuals who worked as a boothmaker or a maker of booths. In the Middle Ages, a booth was a small wooden shelter or stall used for various purposes such as selling goods at a market or providing temporary accommodation.
The name Booth is believed to have originated in the North of England, particularly in Yorkshire and Lancashire, where there were significant concentrations of people with this surname. The name likely emerged during the medieval period, as surnames based on occupations became more common.
There is also evidence that the name Booth may have been associated with a place in Derbyshire called Boothby, which means "homestead or farmstead by the booth." This suggests that some individuals with the surname Booth may have originally come from this area.
While Booth has traditionally been considered a male given name, it has become increasingly popular for girls in recent years. It is often chosen for its unique sound and vintage appeal. However, regardless of gender, the name Booth carries a certain charm and character that sets it apart from more common names.
In literature, one notable figure with the surname Booth was Joseph Booth, a religious leader who founded the Christadelphians, a Protestant sect in the late 19th century. While not directly related to the given name Booth, this historical figure adds an interesting layer of association to the name.
Overall, Booth is a distinctive and charming given name with an interesting occupational history and English origins. Its unique sound and vintage appeal make it an attractive choice for parents looking for something different for their child.
The name Booth has seen a varied level of popularity over the years in the United States, with a total of 49 babies being named Booth since 1918. There have been periods where the name was quite popular, such as in 1920 and 1928 when there were five births each year, and again in 1947 and 1981 with six births each year. More recently, there has been a resurgence of popularity for the name Booth, with seven births recorded in 2020 and five births in both 2010 and 2012. It is interesting to note that despite some fluctuation over time, the name Booth has remained consistently present in American naming trends since the early 20th century.