August: Baby Name Meaning, Origin and Popularity

By Cris Rizk •  Updated: 06/07/23

When it comes to choosing a baby name, it’s essential to consider the meaning, origin, and popularity of the name. One name that has captured the hearts of many is August. Let’s dive deep into what this name has to offer for your little one.

August is a name with Latin roots, derived from the name Augustus, which means “great” or “venerable.” It was a title given to Roman emperors and has a rich history, including being the name of the first Roman emperor, Caesar Augustus. This strong, classic name is an excellent choice for parents looking for a name with historical significance and timeless appeal.

As for popularity, August has been steadily rising in recent years, becoming increasingly favored among parents seeking a unique yet familiar name for their baby. Considered both charming and sophisticated, August is a name that offers a beautiful balance of tradition and modernity.

The Meaning Behind August

When it comes to choosing a strong, timeless name for a baby, August has become increasingly popular. Though typically considered a boys’ name, I’ve found that it’s also been used as a gender-neutral option as well. Delving into the meaning, origin, and popularity of August can certainly be fascinating.

August finds its roots in Latin, derived from the word “augustus,” which translates to “distinguished” or “venerable.” The name is steeped in history, with Roman emperor Augustus being a prime example. He got his name for his various achievements, as it was believed that he brought honor and reverence to the name.

It’s worth noting that August isn’t limited to just Latin origins. There are variations of the name across languages and cultures:

Furthermore, there are similar names to August that may appeal to those who love the classic and sophisticated feel of the name. Some of these related names include:

To help you consider the perfect name combination, suggested sibling names for August include:

Famous individuals sporting the name August include:

When looking at the popularity of August, it’s been steadily rising, especially in recent years. According to the Social Security Administration (SSA), August ranked 136th in 2020 for boys. The name’s versatility and classic elegance have captured the hearts of parents seeking a timeless moniker for their little one.

So, if you’re considering the name August for your child, you’ll be choosing a name with a rich history, diverse cultural variations, and a reputation for being both strong and distinguished.

Exploring August’s Origin

Delving into the origin of the baby name August, I’ve discovered that it has a rich history and cultural significance. The name August has Latin roots and is derived from the word “augustus”, which means “great” or “venerable“. It was originally a title bestowed upon Roman emperors, signifying their accomplishment, prestige, and reverence. Over time, August evolved into a first name used by people across different backgrounds and nationalities.

August is a unisex name, adding to its versatile appeal. In some cultures and languages, August has different variations such as:

Some similar or related names to August include Augustin and Augustus. These names also resemble biblical names, such as Asher and Asa. If you were to pair August with sibling names, I’d recommend considering names like Amelia, Charlotte, Felix, or Sebastian, as they complement the classic and elegant characteristics of August.

A variety of famous individuals have borne the name August, such as:

Despite its long-standing history and use among notable personalities, August remains a relatively unique and uncommon name in the United States. According to the Social Security Administration (SSA) data from 2020:

Year RankNumber of Births
20202,520

This table indicates that in 2020, there were 2,520 baby boys and girls named August in the United States, ranking 285th most popular. This relatively low popularity could be an attractive factor for parents looking for a distinctive name with historical and cultural significance.

To summarize, August is a name with a rich history, stemming from its Latin origins and its connection to greatness and reverence. The name is versatile, with various adaptations in different languages, and has been used by prominent historical personalities. Despite its long-standing presence, the name remains relatively unique in the United States, making it an excellent choice for parents seeking a timeless and distinctive name for their child.

Tracing August’s Popularity

I’ve noticed that the name August has experienced significant changes in popularity over the years. This classic name has a rich history, and its popularity can be traced to a variety of factors. Let’s explore these factors, trends, and historical data to offer insight into the name’s popularity.

Throughout its history, August has been used in several cultures and languages, known by various versions of the name. Here are a few examples:

The name August can be traced back to ancient Roman times and is derived from the Latin word “augere”, which means “to increase”. It’s also associated with the summer month of August and the Roman Emperor Augustus, cementing its historical and cultural significance.

When it comes to the name’s popularity in the United States, the following table showcases its ranking throughout the years:

YearPopularity Rank
1880118
1900146
1920602
1950– (unranked)
2000833
2020167

As shown above, August had an initial peak in popularity in the late 19th and early 20th centuries before experiencing a decline. However, the name has seen a recent resurgence in popularity, ranking 167th in 2020.

Famous people who share the name August have likely also contributed to the name’s popularity. Some examples include:

If you’re considering giving your child a sibling or looking for names that pair well with August, consider the following names that blend well together:

As we have revealed the popularity of August as a baby name, it’s apparent that the name carries a rich history, cultural significance, and connection with a variety of notable figures. With its rise in popularity in recent years, August looks set to continue as a favorite choice for parents looking for a strong and timeless name for their child.

Famous People Named August

When thinking about the name August, it’s easy to see why it’s such an appealing choice. Not only does it have a strong history and meaning, but it’s also graced the lives of several famous individuals. In this section, I’ll be discussing some notable people who carry the unique name August.

August Wilson was a celebrated American playwright who left an indelible mark on the world of theater. His extensive body of work, such as the Pittsburgh Cycle, earned him numerous accolades, including two Pulitzer Prizes for Drama.

Another individual who left a lasting impact on the world of creativity was August Strindberg, a Swedish playwright, novelist, and painter. He is best known for his influence on the development of modern drama, with plays like Miss Julie and The Dance of Death.

The world of science and technology also has a pioneer named August: August Ferdinand Möbius. This German mathematician and astronomer made significant contributions to the field of topology, introducing the concept known as the Möbius strip. Interestingly, his work remains pertinent even today, as it has implications in various complex calculations.

Moving on to the realm of sports, August Busch IV enjoyed great success as the CEO of Anheuser-Busch, a renowned brewing company. Not only did he oversee the business aspect of the company, but he also had a passion for racing, having competed in professional car races.

In the entertainment industry, we can’t ignore August Maturo. This young American actor gained fame for his role as Auggie in the popular television show Girl Meets World.

Here are some name variations in different languages and cultures:

As for similar names, we have these options:

If you’re considering sibling names to go with August, here are some suggestions:

Reflecting on these famous people named August truly cements the fact that the name has been bestowed upon those who’ve made meaningful contributions to society in various fields. It’s a name with depth, personality, and a rich history – a fantastic choice for a baby looking to leave their own distinct mark on the world.

Alternative Spellings and Variations

Throughout history, the name August has experienced various spellings and adaptations, reflecting its diverse cultural roots and popularity. In this section, I’ll cover some alternative spellings, variations, and similar names, as well as famous people named August.

A popular variation of August is Augustus, a Latin form that has been embraced by both English-speaking and other European cultures. Similarly, the name Auguste is a French spelling that holds prominence, especially in francophone countries.

August has also been adapted in different languages and cultures, including:

For those who prefer biblical names or those with more of a religious connotation, the names Asher and Abel are great alternatives. These names also possess a similar charm and classic feel as August.

Sibling names that pair well with August include:

Famous individuals named August or its variations are numerous and span various fields, such as literature, music, and politics. These include:

August has maintained its allure across generations and continues to be a popular choice today. With the variety of spellings, variations, and similar names available, this timeless classic offers many options for loving parents.

In Conclusion

Throughout this article, I’ve delved into the baby name August, examining its meaning, origin, and popularity. Now, let’s recap what we’ve learned, and I’ll also share some name variations in other languages and cultures, similar names, suggested sibling names, and famous people named August.

In summary, August is a timeless name derived from the Latin word “augustus” that has been appreciated by generations for its elegance and historical significance. Its popularity has seen a recent resurgence, making it a worthy contender for parents looking for a trendy yet classic moniker for their child.

Some variations of August in other languages and cultures include:

As far as similar names are concerned, some biblical suggestions could include:

Potential sibling names that go nicely with August:

Finally, a few notable people who share the name August:

I hope this article has provided you with valuable insights on the meaning, origin, and popularity of the captivating name August. Who knows? Maybe August will emerge as the perfect name for your little one, resonating with parents, family members, and friends alike.

Cris Rizk

Hey there! I'm Cris, a proud mom who recently went through the rollercoaster of finding the perfect name for my newborn. It was such a challenging experience that I decided to create onlinebabynames.com!

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