Augustus: Name Guide
Quick Summary: Augustus is a male name of Latin origin, meaning "great, venerable, majestic". It was the title of Rome's first emperor and has been a symbol of imperial dignity for over two millennia.
| Attribute | Detail |
|---|---|
| Origin | Latin |
| Meaning | Great, venerable, majestic |
| Gender | Male |
| Pronunciation | aw-GUS-tus |
Etymology of Augustus
Augustus derives from the Latin word augustus, meaning "consecrated," "venerable," or "majestic." The term itself comes from the verb augere, meaning "to increase" or "to make prosperous."
The name was not originally a given name but an honorific title granted by the Roman Senate to Gaius Octavius in 27 BCE, after he became Rome's first emperor. The title signified divine approval and elevated status, distinguishing the holder as worthy of reverence and respect.
The word augustus carried religious overtones, connected to augur (a Roman priest who interpreted omens), suggesting divine favor and authority. When Octavius became Caesar Augustus, the name transformed from a descriptive title into a symbol of imperial power.
History of Augustus
Origins and Early Use
Augustus began as an imperial title rather than a personal name. After Caesar Augustus established the Roman Empire, subsequent emperors often adopted "Augustus" as part of their official titles. The name became synonymous with imperial authority and grandeur throughout the Roman period.
In early Christianity, the name gained additional significance through its association with Saint Augustine of Hippo (354–430 CE), one of the most influential Church Fathers. His theological works helped spread the name throughout Christian Europe, though in its variant form "Augustine" rather than the full classical "Augustus."
Rise to Popularity
The name experienced renewed interest during the Renaissance, when European royalty and nobility embraced classical Roman names as symbols of power and legitimacy. Several European monarchs adopted Augustus or its variants, reinforcing its association with sovereignty.
| Era | Event | Impact on Name |
|---|---|---|
| 1st century BCE | Octavian becomes Caesar Augustus | Establishes name as symbol of imperial power |
| 4th century CE | Saint Augustine of Hippo | Christianizes the name, creates variant "Augustine" |
| 18th century | King Augustus II & III of Poland | Royal usage maintains prestige in Europe |
| 19th century | Gothic Revival movement | Victorian interest in classical names increases usage |
| 21st century | Literary influence (The Fault in Our Stars, 2012) | Contemporary media exposure drives modern revival |
Modern Usage
Augustus declined significantly throughout the mid-20th century, falling to its lowest rank of #1315 in the 1980s. However, it has experienced a remarkable resurgence in recent decades, climbing to #408 by 2024. This revival reflects broader naming trends favoring vintage, classical names with historical gravitas.
Key insight: This name rose because it embodied imperial authority and divine favor in ancient Rome, was preserved through Christian tradition via Saint Augustine, and has stabilized in modern times as parents seek names that balance classical dignity with contemporary appeal.
Why people choose this name: People tend to choose Augustus when they want to convey sophistication, historical depth, and understated strength, especially in contexts involving tradition, leadership, and intellectual seriousness.
Variants of Augustus
| Language | Form | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| English | Augustus, Augustine, Austin | Austin is the most common modern derivative |
| French | Auguste, Augustin | Auguste is pronounced oh-GOOST |
| Spanish | Augusto, Agustín | Agustín retains religious association |
| German | August, Augustin | August also used as a month name |
| Italian | Augusto, Agostino | Agostino emphasizes Christian heritage |
| Polish | August | Pronounced OW-goost |
| Portuguese | Augusto | Common in Brazil |
For digital IDs, shorter forms tend to be more practical than full international variants. Consider length, spelling clarity, and memorability.
Nicknames
- Gus
- Augie
- Aug
Similar Names
- Augustine - Christian variant emphasizing Saint Augustine
- Austin - Medieval English contraction, now independent name
- Octavian - Augustus's birth name before becoming emperor
- Maximus - Another Latin name meaning "greatest"
Augustus Popularity
US Rankings (SSA Data)
| Decade | Rank | Births |
|---|---|---|
| 1900s | #312 | 45 |
| 1920s | #474 | 165 |
| 1940s | #616 | 93 |
| 1960s | #997 | 59 |
| 1980s | #1315 | 51 |
| 2000s | #959 | 159 |
| 2020s | #499 | 585 |
| 2024s | #408 | 787 |
Peak: 1880, ranked #175 (74 births)
Current (2024): #408 (787 births)
Trend analysis: The name's dramatic rise from #1315 in the 1980s to #408 in 2024 reflects the broader vintage name revival. Literary exposure, particularly through John Green's novel The Fault in Our Stars (featuring protagonist Augustus Waters), introduced the name to a new generation of parents seeking classical names with modern appeal.
Note: Popularity rankings reflect birth records and do not necessarily indicate current digital usage or username availability.
Augustus as a Username
Availability
"augustus" as a username is often taken on major platforms, though availability varies by service and region.
Variations for IDs
| Style | Example | Best for |
|---|---|---|
| Standard | augustus | Professional profiles |
| With numbers | augustus99 | Gaming, casual platforms |
| Abbreviated | aug, augs | Social media |
| Stylized | xaugustus, augustusx | Creative accounts, preserves dignity |
| Nickname-based | gus, augie | Informal, approachable tone |
Digital Impression
Augustus as an ID tends to project:
- Intellectual sophistication - because of its classical literary associations
- Historical awareness - because it directly references Roman imperial history
- Understated authority - because it avoids modern trends while maintaining gravitas
Best for: Academic profiles, professional networks, literary communities, history-focused platforms
Avoid if: you prefer highly unique or abstract usernames, or want something more casual and contemporary.
Is Augustus good for a username?
Augustus works well as a username if you value classical education, historical depth, and intellectual sophistication. However, due to its moderate popularity level and strong cultural associations, you may need variations like "aug" or "augie" to secure availability while maintaining the name's core identity.
FAQ
What does Augustus mean?
Augustus means "great," "venerable," or "majestic" from Latin augustus, derived from augere (to increase, make prosperous).
Is Augustus popular?
According to SSA data, Augustus ranks #408 in the US (2024). It is rising significantly after decades of decline.
What are nicknames for Augustus?
Common nicknames: Gus, Augie, Aug.
Is Augustus a boy's or girl's name?
Augustus is traditionally male. It has remained exclusively masculine throughout its history.
How do you pronounce Augustus?
Augustus is pronounced aw-GUS-tus. The stress falls on the second syllable.
Is Augustus good for a username?
Augustus works well as a username if you value classical sophistication and historical depth, though availability may require variations like "aug" or "augie."
Related Names
- Augustine - Christian variant emphasizing Saint Augustine
- Austin - Medieval contraction, shorter form often preferred for digital IDs
- Maximus - Same Latin origin meaning "greatest"
Sources: SSA Baby Names (ssa.gov), Oxford Dictionary of First Names Last updated: February 2026