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Austin
Pronounced AW-stin /ˈɔːs.tɪn/High
Meaning: Great; venerable; dignified — English contracted form of Augustine, from Latin augustus (great, majestic)High
Popularity in the U.S. · SSA data
U.S. births per year (Social Security Administration, 1880–present). Pink marker = peak year.
SSA data updated May 2026. How we source & verify this data.
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.
Variations
Nicknames
Famous Bearers
- ★Augustine of Hippo (354–430 AD)North African theologian and philosopher, one of the most important figures in Western Christian thought.
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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.