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Home › Baby Names Directory › Gustave

Gustave

♂ Boy

Pronounced goo-STAHV /ɡuˈstɑv/Medium

Meaning: The French form of Gustav — from Old Norse, variously 'a staff of the Goths' and 'a meditation/God's staff' (gautr, 'a Goth/Geat', plus stafr, 'a staff'); routes layeredLow

In 30 seconds: A staff of the Goths: Gustave is the French Gustav — 'a staff of the Goths'. Lyrical, classic, and warm (said 'goo-STAHV').
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Origin LowScandinavian, French
MeaningThe French form of Gustav — from Old Norse, variously 'a staff of the Goths' and 'a meditation/God's staff' (gautr, 'a Goth/Geat', plus stafr, 'a staff'); routes layered
U.S. rank (2025)#7858 ↘ Falling
2025 U.S. births10 boys (0.00% of U.S. boys)
Peak year1915
Total births (all-time)≈ 5,430

Popularity in the U.S. · SSA data

peak 191718802025

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

Gustave is the French form of Gustav — from Old Norse, variously 'a staff of the Goths' and 'a meditation or God's staff' (gautr, 'a Goth/Geat', plus stafr, 'a staff'; routes layered, which we note). Borne by Swedish kings and the artist Gustave Courbet. A lyrical, classic name (said 'goo-STAHV'; nickname Gus).

In the U.S. it appears in French and Scandinavian families. Rare, a-staff-of-the-Goths at the root, and classic.

Did you know? Gustav is variously 'a staff of the Goths' and 'a meditation/God's staff' (Old Norse gautr, 'a Goth', plus stafr, 'a staff') — Gustave is its lyrical French form, classic and warm (the routes are layered, which we note; said 'goo-STAHV').
Overall data confidence 55%
Behind the Name — Gustave — routes layered

Variations

GustavGustavoGustaf

Nicknames

Gus

Famous Bearers

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If you like Gustave…

Gustav— the German/Scandinavian form
Gustavo— the Italian/Spanish form
Gus— the short form
August— a sound-neighbor classic boys' name

Explore names like Gustave

By themeuncertainfrenchscandinavian
By meaningGod / Divine

All themes →All meanings →All origins →

Frequently Asked

What does the name Gustave mean?

Gustave is the French Gustav — variously 'a staff of the Goths' and 'a meditation staff'; the routes are layered.

How do you pronounce Gustave?

It's said goo-STAHV /ɡuˈstɑv/ — two syllables, stress on the second.

Is Gustave a boy or girl name?

Gustave is a boy's name.

How popular is Gustave?

Gustave is a rare name in the U.S.

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