August is a name of Latin origin, derived from the verb "augere," which means "to increase" or "to make greater." It was traditionally used as an imperial title given to Roman emperors who had expanded their territory or increased their power. The name Augustus was first used by Gaius Octavius, also known as Octavian, who became the first emperor of Rome in 27 BC and ruled until his death in 14 AD.
Throughout history, the name Auguste has been associated with authority, leadership, and greatness. In addition to its use as an imperial title, it has also been used as a given name for many notable individuals throughout history, including Augustus Caesar, the first Roman emperor, and Augustus of Prima Porta, a famous marble statue of him.
In France, the name Auguste was particularly popular during the 19th century. It reached its peak popularity in 1890 when it was one of the top 20 most common names given to boys born that year. Today, Auguste remains a distinctive and classic French name with a strong historical legacy.
Overall, Auguste is a unique and historic name with a powerful meaning behind it. Its Latin origins give it an air of authority and grandeur, while its association with Roman emperors makes it a name with a rich history. Despite its popularity in the past, Auguste remains a relatively uncommon name today, making it a distinctive choice for parents looking for a classic yet unique name for their child.
Based on the statistics provided, the name Auguste has seen varied popularity in the United States over the past century and a half.
In the late 19th to early 20th centuries, Auguste was not particularly common. Between 1882 and 1926, there were fewer than 7 births per year with this name, with some years recording as few as 5 births.
However, beginning in the mid-1990s, there was a notable increase in the number of babies named Auguste each year. From 1993 to 2006, there were consistently between 5 and 12 births per year with this name, peaking at 12 births in both 1993 and 2004.
This trend continued into the 21st century, with Auguste's popularity fluctuating but generally remaining steady. Between 2007 and 2023, there were between 5 and 27 births per year with this name, with a notable peak of 20 births in both 2012 and 2015.
In total, over the period covered by these statistics (1882 to 2023), there were 407 babies named Auguste in the United States. This indicates that while Auguste may not have been a particularly popular name historically, it has seen some degree of popularity and consistent use throughout recent decades.
Overall, these statistics show that the name Auguste has experienced periods of fluctuation in popularity over time but has maintained a steady presence among baby names in the United States.