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Augustus

♂ Boy

Pronounced aw-GUS-tus /ɔːˈɡʌs.təs/High

Meaning: From Latin augustus meaning venerable, great, or majestic; the honorific title taken by the first Roman emperor OctavianHigh

In 30 seconds: Augustus is the grandest of Roman names, meaning 'venerable and majestic' — a name that launched an empire and a calendar month, now making a spectacular comeback among parents who want true gravitas.
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Origin HighLatin
MeaningFrom Latin augustus meaning venerable, great, or majestic; the honorific title taken by the first Roman emperor Octavian
U.S. rank (2025)#407 ↗ Rising
2025 U.S. births783 boys (0.04% of U.S. boys)
Peak year2024
Total births (all-time)≈ 21,675

Popularity in the U.S. · SSA data

peak 202418802025

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

History & Origin

Augustus was the honorific title (cognomen) taken by Gaius Octavius in 27 BCE after the Roman Senate proclaimed him the first Roman Emperor. The title comes from Latin augere meaning to increase or to bless, conveying venerable greatness.

The name became associated with imperial power and Christianity (Saint Augustine). It enjoyed Victorian popularity and is now reviving strongly as parents seek magnificent, historic names.

Did you know? The month of August is named after the Emperor Augustus, who renamed it from Sextilis in 8 BCE — making him the only Roman emperor to have both a month and a title still embedded in everyday English.
Overall data confidence 98%
Behind the Name — Augustus — etymology and imperial historyU.S. Social Security Administration — popularity data

Variations

AugustAugustinAugustine

Nicknames

GusAugie

Famous Bearers

  • ★Augustus (Emperor) (63 BCE–14 CE)
    First Roman Emperor, whose reign ushered in the Pax Romana; the month of August is named after him.
  • ★Augustus Waters (fictional)
    Protagonist of John Green's novel The Fault in Our Stars, helping propel the name to modern popularity.

If you like Augustus…

Maximus— shares the imposing Roman imperial gravitas and the same grand three-syllable structure
Julius— fellow Roman emperor name with the same classical prestige and modern revival
Cornelius— shares the stately Latin pedigree and the same bold Victorian-to-modern arc
August— the shorter form sharing the same root and much of the same character

Frequently Asked

What does the name Augustus mean?

Augustus means venerable, great, or majestic from Latin; it was the imperial title of Rome's first emperor.

How do you pronounce Augustus?

It is said aw-GUS-tus /ɔːˈɡʌs.təs/ — three syllables, stress on the second.

Is the month of August related to Augustus?

Yes, the month of August was named after the Emperor Augustus in 8 BCE.

What are nicknames for Augustus?

The most beloved nicknames are Gus and Augie.