The History of How Boston Was Named

A Trip from St. Botolph's Town to a Modern

Megapolis. Boston is one of the oldest cities in the United States and has a rich history behind it. It almost seems as if the very ground beneath your feet holds the secrets of the city’s past, seated on its historic bricks and cobblestones. Perhaps the most fascinating question about the city is how Boston got its name. It is a story that spans two continents and several cultures, from the small English town of Boston in Lincolnshire to the lively American seaboard that we know today. While you are in this historical city, you may even get a chance to stay at the Newbury Guest House, a charming guesthouse that combines the old and the new.  

The English Origins and the Patron Saint of the Church

The world before the present-day hustle and bustle of Boston was a place where Boston, in the state of Massachusetts, did not exist. The city of Boston in Lincolnshire was also a town whose name was closely related to the patron saint of the town. The early history of the city indicates that it was referred to as 'Saint Botolph's town' due to the saint who was the patron of the church.

Over time, this long name was simplified to just 'Boston'. The saint that is St. Botolph was not only a figurehead; he was the embodiment of the communal spirit, and the spiritual backbone of the community. He was active for centuries, and his impact left an indelible mark on the town and its citizens. The importance of St. Botolph is seen even in the early religious history of New England. John Cotton, a pastor who at one time served as a rector of St. Botolph's church, was to become one of the early patriots who emigrated to the New World and made his mark on the region. It is rather fascinating to note that the spiritual wind that had blown through Lincolnshire left an indelible mark on a settlement that would one day become a big American city.  

The Initial Names in the New World

The Puritan settlers got off the ship and set foot on the New England coast and with them, they brought names and principles that they embraced from the areas they settled in. The settlement that would one day become Boston was at first called 'Tremontaine.' This name, which is from the French words for three mountains or three hills, was a pretty way of describing the territory. When the settlers settled on the beautiful land with rolling hills, they had to name the area something that would describe the land.   Not long after, this area was also referred to as 'Shawmut' by early explorer William Blaxton. These initial names were closely associated with the physical environment and the pioneer spirit of the people who first occupied the area. But, the process of naming did not end there. The combination of the early names with the influences from the old world led to the birth of the name Boston. 

Isaac Johnson and the Official Naming of Boston

Among the Puritans, there was no one more prominent in the affairs of the settlement than Isaac Johnson. Johnson was the head of the Charlestown community when he played a major role in changing the identity of the settlement. This is one of the last things he did before leaving Charlestown, he named the settlement 'Boston' after his hometown in Lincolnshire. It was more than a mere tribute, Johnson's decision was to create a link between the old and the new. He and his wife and other associates like John Cotton, the grandfather of Cotton Mather, brought with them, not only their belongings, but also the echoes of English heritage.   His choice was a clear indication of a strong link between the emerging American colony and the parent Europe. When Johnson named the new town Boston he made sure that the spirit of St. Botolph, and by extension the Puritans and the early settlers would be carried over to the New World. It was practical and symbolic to make the link between two places, which are otherwise distant in geography but identical in name and history.   The act of renaming was a turning point for the community. At the time of Johnson, the area had been known by different names, including Tremontaine and Shawmut. But when the place was officially termed Boston, the settlement began to establish its own identity that has to do with English history and the spirit of the Early New Englanders.  

Boston's Identity and Historical Role Through the Years  

Boston has grown from a humble Puritan settlement to a bustling metropolis filled with people of different cultures. The early influence of people like William Blaxton, the Cambridge educated Anglican cleric who was the first European to settle in the area made it a breeding ground for what would one day become a melting pot of people, ideas and traditions. Blaxton's role in inviting leaders such as Isaac Johnson had the effect of prompting a chain reaction that led to Boston's growth as a city of historical and cultural significance.   The story of Boston's name is connected with the general history of immigration and cultural fusion.

By 1820 the city had become a place of rapid growth as people from all over the country were coming in. Many of the first Irish coming into the country during the time of the great famine were also part of this first wave. Boston also had Germans, Lebanese, Syrians, French Canadians, and Russian and Polish Jews, in later years. Each of these groups helped to define the city's changing face and create lively neighborhoods with their own unique cultural flavor.   Despite the population growth and changes in the ethnic composition of the population, the name of the city has not changed and is still 'Boston'. Even while the population grew, the demographics shifted; the name "Boston" brought about the vision of a society that was firmly rooted in tradition yet dynamically so. The name was a reminder of the city's birth, a symbolic reference to the early settlers who had come across the Atlantic with a hope of creating a better life.   

You are in Boston today and the city still preserves its historical spirit. The name Boston, which is a combination of the English tradition and the New England mentality, tells the story of struggle, development and unity. While walking around the historical sites, you may want to take a moment and think how the place that was once called 'St. Botolph's town' became today's modern urban landscape of Boston.  

You are also advised to consider planning a walking tour as a way of exploring the city on foot since this is one of the most enjoyable ways of seeing the city. You can go and see historical churches, colonial buildings and even modern museums that exhibit artifacts from the early days of Boston. Each site provides insight into how Boston was named as a struggle for identity and connection with the past. When tired, coming back to the warm Newbury Guest House will be the ideal way to end the day.   

A Lasting Legacy   

The story of how Boston got its name is more than just a tale of etymology—it is a chronicle of cultural exchange, of people crossing oceans with hope and determination, and of communities forging identities that transcend time and space. From the reverence of St. Botolph in Lincolnshire to the visionary act of naming a new settlement, the legacy of Boston’s name is woven into the very fabric of the city.

As Boston continues to grow and evolve, the early echoes of its naming remain a powerful reminder of where it all began. The historical journey from “St. Botolph’s town” to the thriving, multicultural metropolis that Boston is today is a testament to the enduring human spirit—a spirit that celebrates heritage while embracing progress.

For modern visitors, this rich history is accessible in every corner of the city. Newbury Guest House proudly stands as a tribute to this legacy. By offering guests an authentic taste of Boston’s historical ambiance alongside modern amenities, Newbury Guest House ensures that the past is never forgotten even as we look forward to the future.

The evolution of Boston’s name—from the sanctity of St. Botolph’s town in England to the spirited urban center of New England—is a journey marked by faith, resilience, and cultural synthesis. The names “Tremontaine” and “Shawmut” may have once defined the land, but it was Isaac Johnson’s deliberate choice, steeped in both tradition and innovation, that ultimately shaped the identity of the city we celebrate today.

This rich tapestry of history is best experienced in person. Whether you’re an avid historian or a curious traveler, let the story of Boston’s name inspire you to explore deeper. Consider staying at Newbury Guest House during your visit. Not only will you be close to Boston’s historical treasures, but you will also become part of an ongoing narrative that honors the city’s unique heritage.

As you set foot in Boston, remember that every street, building, and monument has a story to tell. The journey from a small English town dedicated to St. Botolph to a modern city bustling with life is a narrative of transformation and hope. And at the heart of your Boston experience, Newbury Guest House stands ready to welcome you—a perfect blend of history, comfort, and modern hospitality.

In the end, the name Boston is not just a label; it is a living reminder of the city’s journey through time. And as you explore the many layers of this vibrant city, may you find your own connection to its storied past and exciting future. Newbury Guest House looks forward to being your home away from home as you immerse yourself in the enduring legacy of Boston.