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The 410 shotgun is actually not a "bore" as the 12, 20 gauge shotguns.
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Actually, I think it is a "bore size". I have seen .410 referred to as .410 Bore, and as .410 "gauge". I believe that while its the "convention" to say gauge, that .410
bore is technically more accurate than saying
gauge for that caliber.
Shotgun gauges were originally, the number of "bore size" (diameter) lead balls that equaled one pound.10, 12, 16 (one ounce), 20, etc. .410 is the only common shotgun caliber were the name has any direct relationship to the size of the bore (.41 cal).
I don't know why this came to be (I suppose I need to do some research), but I guess that after they got to 32 gauge, someone figured going to the actual bore size would be less confusing.
Gun terms are an interesting study, in how, why, and when they came into use, and how they get changed over time.
And thinking on it, since we are discussing a shotgun, this thread needs to go there...