In 1942, an area of Botne (population: 148) was transferred into the neighboring town of Holmestrand.

In 1947, an area of Botne (population: 8) was transferred to the neighboring Våle Municipality.

The name is the plural form of botn which means "bottom", "hollow", or "depression".

At the time of the municipal dissolution, it was part of the Nord-Jarlsberg prosti (deanery) in the Diocese of Tunsberg.

The baptismal font is also from the 1600s and has an octagonal basin with painted biblical scenes on four sides.