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Home › Baby Names Directory › Octave

Octave

♂ Boy

Pronounced OK-tahv /ˈɒk.tɑv/Medium

Meaning: The French form of Octavius, from the Latin octavus, 'eighth' — traditionally an eighth child. Also a musical term. A classic French name.Medium

In 30 seconds: A French classic: Octave means 'eighth,' from Latin (said 'OK-tahv'). Musical and refined.
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Origin MediumFrench, Latin
MeaningThe French form of Octavius, from the Latin octavus, 'eighth' — traditionally an eighth child. Also a musical term. A classic French name.
U.S. rank (2024)#11904 ↘ Falling
2024 U.S. births6 boys (0.00% of U.S. boys)
Peak year1918
Total births (all-time)≈ 449

Popularity in the U.S. · SSA data

peak 191918802024

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

Octave is French for 'eighth,' from the Latin octavus (via Octavius) — historically an eighth child, and echoing the musical octave. A refined classic, rare in the U.S. (said 'OK-tahv').

It appears rarely in the U.S. Rare, refined, and French.

Did you know? Octave is the French form of Octavius, from the Latin for 'eighth' (once an eighth child's name); it's also the musical interval (said 'OK-tahv').
Overall data confidence 55%
References — Octave — French Octave; Latin 'eighth'

Variations

OctaviusOctavioOctavian

Nicknames

OctTav

Famous Bearers

  • Famous bearers coming soon.

If you like Octave…

Octavio— a like 'eighth' romance-language name
Augustus— a like Latin classical boy's name
Emile— a like refined French pick
Marius— a like Latin-rooted name

Explore names like Octave

By themelatinclassicfrenchrefined

All themes →All meanings →All origins →

Frequently Asked

What does the name Octave mean?

Octave is the French form of Octavius, from the Latin for 'eighth'; it's also the musical interval.

How do you pronounce Octave?

It's said OK-tahv /ˈɒk.tɑv/ — two syllables, stress on the first.

Is Octave a boy or girl name?

Octave is a boy's name.

How popular is Octave?

Octave is a rare name in the U.S.

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