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Magnus

♂ Boy

Pronounced MAG-nus /ˈmæɡ.nəs/High

Meaning: Great or mighty; from the Latin magnus meaning great or large, adopted into Old Norse as a given name through the fame of Charlemagne (Carolus Magnus)High

In 30 seconds: Magnus means great in Latin, a name spread across Scandinavia by Viking kings who admired Charlemagne, and now a bold, confident choice for boys with a strong ancient pedigree and growing modern appeal.
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Origin HighLatin, Scandinavian
MeaningGreat or mighty; from the Latin magnus meaning great or large, adopted into Old Norse as a given name through the fame of Charlemagne (Carolus Magnus)
U.S. rank (2025)#765 ↘ Falling
2025 U.S. births337 boys (0.02% of U.S. boys)
Peak year2021
Total births (all-time)≈ 6,167

Popularity in the U.S. · SSA data

peak 202118902025

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

History & Origin

Magnus is the Latin adjective meaning great, large, or mighty. It entered Scandinavian naming through the influence of Charlemagne (Latin: Carolus Magnus), and was adopted by Norwegian, Swedish, and Danish royalty. Saint Magnus of Orkney (died c. 1117), a beloved Norse earl, helped spread the name through the British Isles.

Magnus remained a staple name in Scandinavia throughout the medieval and early modern periods. In recent decades it has spread to English-speaking countries as part of the vogue for strong, classical Norse names. It appears in several celebrity baby name choices and is growing steadily in the United States.

Did you know? The name Magnus entered Scandinavia primarily because of the fame of Charlemagne (Carolus Magnus, meaning Charles the Great). Norwegian and Danish kings named their sons Magnus in admiration, and at least five Norwegian kings bore the name between the 11th and 13th centuries.
Overall data confidence 98%
Behind the Name — Magnus — Latin and Scandinavian etymologyU.S. Social Security Administration — popularity data

Variations

ManusMansMagnusson

Nicknames

MagMagni

Famous Bearers

  • ★Magnus Carlsen (1990–present)
    Norwegian chess grandmaster who was World Chess Champion in classical chess from 2013 to 2023.
  • ★Magnus I of Norway (1024–1047)
    King of Norway and Denmark, called Magnus the Good, who reigned in the 11th century.

If you like Magnus…

Maximus— shares the Latin meaning of greatness and power in a strong two-syllable form
Ajax— same bold classical warrior-name energy
Thor— fellow Norse-mythology name with strong masculine weight
Leif— same Scandinavian heritage and crisp single-syllable confidence

Frequently Asked

What does the name Magnus mean?

Magnus means great or mighty, from the Latin magnus, the same root as magnificent and magnitude.

How do you pronounce Magnus?

It is said MAG-nus, two syllables with stress on the first.

Is Magnus a Scandinavian name?

Yes, Magnus is deeply rooted in Scandinavian tradition, borne by five Norwegian kings and popular across the Nordic countries.

Is Magnus becoming popular?

Yes, Magnus has been rising in the United States and other English-speaking countries, boosted by chess champion Magnus Carlsen.