All about the name

Augustus

Male

« Augustus is a Latin male given name meaning "great" or "venerable," associated with power and majesty throughout history. »

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Meaning, origin, history

Augustus is a strong and historic male given name of Latin origin. It comes from the Latin word 'augustus,' which means "great" or "venerable." The name has been associated with power, majesty, and authority throughout history. The most famous bearer of this name was Gaius Octavius Thurinus, better known as Augustus Caesar, who was the first Roman Emperor. Born in 63 BCE, he is renowned for bringing peace and stability to Rome after years of civil war. He chose the name Augustus for himself, which means "august" or "majestic," reflecting his powerful role and the respect he commanded. The use of the name Augustus has continued throughout history. In medieval England, it was occasionally used as a given name, but more often it was employed as a title or form of address for kings or other powerful figures. Today, Augustus is still used as a given name, though it remains relatively rare. It can also be found in various forms around the world, such as Auguste in France and Augusto in Italy. In literature and popular culture, Augustus has been used as a character name in several works, including "The Catcher in the Rye" by J.D. Salinger and "Augustus Gloop," the gluttonous character from Roald Dahl's "Charlie and the Chocolate Factory." This further attests to the strong and memorable connotations of this historic name. In conclusion, Augustus is a Latin male given name that signifies greatness and majesty. With its rich historical background and powerful associations, it remains an enduring choice for parents seeking a meaningful and distinctive name for their child.

In numbers

Popularity of the name Augustus since 1880

Total births
20,101
Total since 1880
Peak year
2017
734 births
in 2023
610
Recent births (5 years)
5-year trend
+30%
vs previous 5 years