Augustus is a strong and historic male given name of Latin origin. It comes from the Latin word 'augustus,' which means "great" or "venerable." The name has been associated with power, majesty, and authority throughout history.
The most famous bearer of this name was Gaius Octavius Thurinus, better known as Augustus Caesar, who was the first Roman Emperor. Born in 63 BCE, he is renowned for bringing peace and stability to Rome after years of civil war. He chose the name Augustus for himself, which means "august" or "majestic," reflecting his powerful role and the respect he commanded.
The use of the name Augustus has continued throughout history. In medieval England, it was occasionally used as a given name, but more often it was employed as a title or form of address for kings or other powerful figures. Today, Augustus is still used as a given name, though it remains relatively rare. It can also be found in various forms around the world, such as Auguste in France and Augusto in Italy.
In literature and popular culture, Augustus has been used as a character name in several works, including "The Catcher in the Rye" by J.D. Salinger and "Augustus Gloop," the gluttonous character from Roald Dahl's "Charlie and the Chocolate Factory." This further attests to the strong and memorable connotations of this historic name.
In conclusion, Augustus is a Latin male given name that signifies greatness and majesty. With its rich historical background and powerful associations, it remains an enduring choice for parents seeking a meaningful and distinctive name for their child.
The name Augustus has been consistently popular in the United States over time, with a total of 20,101 babies given this name since 1880. However, its popularity has varied significantly over the decades.
In the late 19th and early 20th centuries, the name Augustus was fairly common, with an average of around 50 births per year between 1880 and 1930. The highest point during this period was in 1912, with 106 births.
After World War II, the popularity of the name Augustus began to decline. Between 1945 and 1970, there were an average of fewer than 50 births per year, with a low of just 39 births in 1974.
However, since the late 1970s, the popularity of the name Augustus has rebounded significantly. Between 1980 and 2022, there have been an average of over 150 births per year. The highest point during this period was in 2021, with 661 births.
Overall, while the popularity of the name Augustus has waxed and waned over time, it remains a popular choice for parents in the United States today.