HomeBaby Names DirectoryAustin

Austin

♂ Boy

Pronounced AW-stin /ˈɔːs.tɪn/High

Meaning: Great; venerable; dignified — English contracted form of Augustine, from Latin augustus (great, majestic)High

In 30 seconds: A medieval English contraction of Augustine meaning 'great' or 'venerable,' Austin carries both Saint Augustine's legacy and the cool of the Texas capital — a name with both holiness and Southern swagger.
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Origin HighLatin
MeaningGreat; venerable; dignified — English contracted form of Augustine, from Latin augustus (great, majestic)
Peak year1995
Total births (all-time)≈ 407,627

Popularity in the U.S. · SSA data

peak 199518802017

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

History & Origin

Austin is a medieval English contraction of Augustine, from the Latin Augustinus, ultimately from augustus meaning 'great, venerable, or majestic.' Saint Augustine of Hippo (354–430) was one of the most influential theologians in history.

Used in England throughout the medieval period, Austin became a common English surname and eventually a given name in America. The fame of Austin, Texas boosted it in the late 20th century, and it became a top-100 U.S. boys' name.

Did you know? Austin, Texas was named after Stephen F. Austin (1793–1836), the 'Father of Texas,' who in turn bore the surname originally derived from this same given name.

Variations

AugustineAugustusAugustin

Nicknames

Aus

Famous Bearers

  • Augustine of Hippo (354–430 AD)
    North African theologian and philosopher, one of the most important figures in Western Christian thought.

If you like Austin…

Colton— Old English -ton name with the same American country spirit
Jackson— presidential surname name with the same all-American boldness
Mason— occupational surname with the same modern American chart success

Frequently Asked

What does the name Austin mean?

Austin is a medieval contraction of Augustine, from the Latin augustus, meaning 'great,' 'venerable,' or 'majestic.'

How do you pronounce Austin?

It is said AW-stin /ˈɔːs.tɪn/ — two syllables, stress on the first.

Is Austin a boy or girl name?

Austin is used almost exclusively as a boy's name.

How popular is Austin?

Austin has been a consistent U.S. top-100 boys' name since the 1990s.