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Gus

♂ Boy

Pronounced GUS /ɡʌs/High

Meaning: Great; venerable; worthy of respect; English pet form of Augustus or Gustave, from Latin augustus (magnificent, venerable) or Germanic Gustav (God's staff)High

In 30 seconds: A pet form of Augustus (Latin: magnificent) or Gustave (Germanic: God's staff). Gus has the same vintage grandpa-charm as Milo, Felix, and Archie — a one-syllable classic enjoying a strong renaissance.
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Origin HighLatin, English
MeaningGreat; venerable; worthy of respect; English pet form of Augustus or Gustave, from Latin augustus (magnificent, venerable) or Germanic Gustav (God's staff)
U.S. rank (2024)#1212 ↘ Falling
2024 U.S. births166 boys (0.01% of U.S. boys)
Peak year1921
Total births (all-time)≈ 19,972

Popularity in the U.S. · SSA data

peak 192118802024

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

History & Origin

Gus is an English pet form of Augustus (Latin: magnificent, venerable) or Gustavus/Gustave (Germanic: God's staff). As a standalone name it has been used since the 19th century and is now rising strongly as a vintage revival choice.

Gus ranked #1212 for boys in 2024.

Did you know? Gus Van Sant, the filmmaker who directed Good Will Hunting (1997) and Milk (2008), has made the name Gus synonymous with a certain thoughtful, introspective American cinematic sensibility — the kind of films that linger long after the credits roll.
Overall data confidence 86%
Behind the Name — Gus — Latin/Germanic etymologyU.S. Social Security Administration — popularity data

Variations

AugustusGustaveGustav

Nicknames

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Famous Bearers

  • ★Gus Van Sant (1952–present)
    American film director known for Good Will Hunting (1997), Milk (2008), and My Own Private Idaho (1991). One of American independent cinema's most distinctive voices.

If you like Gus…

Milo— vintage two-syllable short name enjoying the same grandpa-revival
Felix— Latin vintage name with the same quiet classic charm
Otto— Germanic one/two-syllable vintage name in the same revival wave
Hugo— Germanic/Latin vintage name with the same dignified brevity
Leo— Latin vintage name enjoying the same sharp one-syllable appeal

Frequently Asked

What does the name Gus mean?

Gus means 'great' or 'venerable' as a pet form of Augustus, or 'God's staff' as a short form of Gustave.

How do you pronounce Gus?

It's said GUS — one syllable, rhyming with 'bus.'

Is Gus a boy or girl name?

Gus is used as a boys' name.

How popular is Gus?

Gus ranked #1212 for U.S. boys in 2024.