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August

♀ Girl

Pronounced AW-gust /ˈɔː.ɡʌst/High

Meaning: From Latin augustus meaning great, venerable, or majestic, from augere meaning to increase or to consecrate; used as a girls name as part of the unisex trend for strong classical namesHigh

In 30 seconds: August as a girls name is a bold, modern choice with imperial Roman roots meaning great and venerable. With a warm, summery feel and the rising tide of strong unisex names, it has been climbing fast.
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Origin HighLatin
MeaningFrom Latin augustus meaning great, venerable, or majestic, from augere meaning to increase or to consecrate; used as a girls name as part of the unisex trend for strong classical names
U.S. rank (2025)#962 ↘ Falling
2025 U.S. births268 girls (0.02% of U.S. girls)
Peak year2021
Total births (all-time)≈ 6,266

Popularity in the U.S. · SSA data

peak 202119142025

U.S. births per year (Social Security Administration, 1880–present). Pink marker = peak year.

History & Origin

The Roman name Augustus was borne by the first Roman Emperor, Gaius Octavius, who took the title Augustus as a signal of divine favor and greatness. The month of August was named in his honor by the Roman Senate.

August for girls has been growing in the United States since the 2010s, driven by the trend for powerful, historically masculine names being used for girls. It follows names like Josephine, Theodora, and Maxine in this pattern.

Did you know? Garth and Maggie Elizondo Hudson's daughter August and Dave Matthews and Jennifer Ashley Johns's son August are among the celebrity children named August, reflecting the name's growing cross-gender appeal in the early 21st century.
Overall data confidence 95%
Behind the Name — August — Latin etymology and usageU.S. Social Security Administration — popularity data

Variations

AugustaAugustineAugustina

Nicknames

AuggieGusAugie

Famous Bearers

  • Famous bearers coming soon.

If you like August…

Wren— shares the brief strong unisex word-adjacent character for girls
June— same month-connected natural name with a breezy vintage girl appeal
Eleanor— same stately vintage revival feel for strong classic girl names
Josephine— same pattern of traditionally masculine root adapted for strong girls names

Frequently Asked

What does the name August mean?

August means great, venerable, or majestic from Latin augustus, a term used for the first Roman Emperor and the month named in his honor.

How do you pronounce August?

It is said AW-gust, with two syllables and stress on the first, identical to the month name.

Is August a girls name?

August has traditionally been a boys name but is now increasingly used for girls as part of the trend for strong classical unisex names.

What are nicknames for August?

Common nicknames include Auggie, Augie, and Gus.