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MyGall Boy Names English August
Boy

August

August Name Meaning, Origin & Popularity

AW-gust

Meaning of August: The name August descends from the Latin Augustus, a title meaning "venerable" or "majestic" conferred by the Roman Senate on Octavian in 27 BCE. The root augere, "to increase," framed the emperor as one whose presence added dignity to the state.

US Rank 2024
No. 88
Births
3,876
Peak Year
1880
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The title hardened into a personal name across post-Roman Europe, carried by twelve Holy Roman Emperors and the Polish Saxon king Augustus II the Strong. Therefore German, Polish, and Scandinavian parents treated August as a princely Christian name well before it reached English nurseries.

The etymology records notes that August entered English use in the eighteenth century, competing alongside the fuller Augustus and the French Auguste. Saint Augustine of Hippo, the fourth-century theologian, reinforced the roots prestige across Catholic Europe.

What Does August Mean? Origin & Etymology

According to SSA records, August held the US top 150 in 1880 with 3,876 births, then dropped off the top 1000 between 1930 and 1995. The name returned during the Victorian revival and reached rank 88 in 2024, its highest placement since the nineteenth century.

Cultural weight expanded through playwright August Strindberg, photographer August Sander, Mauritian chef August Escoffier, and August, the taciturn patriarch in R.J. Palacios 2012 novel Wonder. Notably actors Mariska Hargitay and Peter Hermann gave the name renewed visibility when they chose it for their son in 2011.

Common variants span Auguste in French, Augusto in Spanish, Italian, and Portuguese, Augustus in English, and Augustin in Polish. Short forms include Gus, Augie, and Austin, the last now treated as an independent name. The feminine counterpart Augusta has itself returned to English parish registers since 2015.

How Popular Is August?

Numerology & Symbolism of August

Based on Pythagorean numerology — a traditional system linking name letters to numbers. Presented for cultural interest.

A(1) + U(3) + G(7) + U(3) + S(1) + T(2) = 17 = 8
Destiny number
8
Ambition
Sum of all letters, reduced to a single digit
Soul urge
7
Understanding
Sum of vowels only - reveals inner desires
Expression
1
Confidence
Sum of consonants - how others perceive you
Letters 6
Vowels / consonants 3 / 3
Birthstone Diamond
Lucky color Charcoal
1 Leadership Independent, driven, original — the initiator who forges new paths.
2 Harmony Diplomatic and cooperative, thriving through partnership and balance.
3 Expression Creative and communicative, bringing joy through art and words.
4 Stability Disciplined and dependable, building lasting structures through hard work.
5 Freedom Adventurous and adaptable, drawn to change, travel, and new experiences.
6 Nurturing Caring and responsible, focused on home, family, and community.
7 Wisdom Analytical and introspective, seeking truth through study and reflection.
8 Ambition Authoritative and goal-oriented, excelling in business and material achievement.
9 Compassion Humanitarian and idealistic, driven by a desire to serve and uplift others.
11 Intuition Master number: heightened sensitivity and spiritual insight beyond the ordinary.
22 Master Builder Master number: visionary practicality that turns ambitious dreams into reality.
33 Master Teacher Master number: selfless guidance and healing offered for the good of all.

August – Similar Names & Alternatives

Hudson
From Old English “Hudd” + “son”: son of Hudde (a medieval…
Luca
From Latin “lux” meaning light, via Greek Loukas; Italian…
Elias
From Hebrew “eliyyahu” meaning God is Yahweh; Greek and…
Santiago
From Spanish “Santo Iago” meaning Saint James; contracted…
Matthew
From Hebrew “Mattityahu”, a compound of “mattan” (gift) +…
Jackson
From Old English via John meaning God is gracious; Jackson…
Maverick
From American English meaning independent or nonconformist;…
Wyatt
From Old English “Wigheard”, meaning brave in war, from…
Jacob
From Hebrew “Ya’aqov” meaning supplanter or one who grabs…
Mason
From Old French “machun” meaning a worker in stone; an…
Gabriel
From Hebrew “Gavri’el”, a compound of “gavar” (strong) +…
Carter
From Old French “cartier” meaning cart driver or…

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Frequently Asked Questions about August

What does the name August mean?

August means "venerable," "majestic," or "divinely favored," from Latin augustus. The root augere means to increase or to bless. The Roman senate bestowed the title Augustus on Octavian in 27 BCE, making him Rome's first emperor.

Is August a boy's or girl's name?

August is traditionally male but is now used for both. In the US, about 80% of births named August are male. It ranks inside the top 400 for girls, making it one of the more genuinely unisex classical names. The traditional feminine form is Augusta.

How popular is August in the United States?

August ranked 143rd for boys in the US in 2024. It began its revival around 2013 and has climbed steadily, benefiting from the broader trend of sophisticated vintage names alongside Arthur, Felix, and Theodore.

How is August different from Augustus?

Augustus is the full Latin original -- the name of Rome's first emperor. August is the shortened vernacular form used in German, Scandinavian, and English traditions. August is more common as a given name in the US; Augustus is used but considered more formal.

What famous people are named August?

August Wilson (1945-2005) was the Pulitzer Prize-winning playwright of the Pittsburgh Cycle. Celebrity parents including Dave Matthews and Mandy Moore have chosen August for their children, contributing to its modern revival.

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Explore More Names Like August

Boy Names English Names Starting with A Popular Names
Linda Hartmann

About the Author

Linda Hartmann

Editor-in-Chief, MyGall

Over 12 years of editorial experience in American parenting media. Currently a PhD candidate researching naming trends in US cultural history. Mother of two, based in Austin, Texas. Leads MyGall’s editorial standards and SSA data verification.

  • PhD candidate in American cultural studies
  • Based in Austin, Texas
  • Mother of two
Boy English 2 syllables

August – Popularity by US State

AK No. 31 AL No. 108 AR No. 110 AZ No. 150 CA No. 114 CO No. 48 CT No. 104 DC No. 32 DE No. 86 FL No. 125 GA No. 123 HI No. 147 IA No. 48 ID No. 65 IL No. 58 IN No. 66 KS No. 79 KY No. 67 LA No. 93 MA No. 84 MD No. 123 ME No. 79 MI No. 59 MN No. 29 MO No. 26 MS No. 135 MT No. 42 NC No. 77 ND No. 53 NE No. 33 NH No. 95 NJ No. 173 NM No. 150 NV No. 113 NY No. 105 OH No. 78 OK No. 122 OR No. 49 PA No. 103 RI No. 72 SC No. 109 SD No. 95 TN No. 81 TX No. 143 UT No. 67 VA No. 60 VT No. 24 WA No. 63 WI No. 43 WV No. 111 WY No. 78

Quick Stats

US Rank
No. 88
Births (SSA)
3,876
Peak Year
1880

More English Boy Names

  • Hudson #22
  • Luca #23
  • Elias #25
  • Santiago #29
  • Matthew #33
  • Jackson #35
  • Maverick #36
  • Wyatt #38
  • Jacob #41
  • Mason #42

Names Starting With A

  • Asher #20
  • Alexander #27
  • Anthony #44
  • Aiden #47
  • Angel #63

Rare Gems Like August

  • Fletcher
  • Colsen
  • Truett
  • Houston
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MyGall.net

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Top Girl Names

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  • No. 7 Mateo
  • No. 8 Elijah
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By Origin

  • English 672
  • Hebrew 252
  • Latin 232
  • Greek 191
  • Spanish 167
  • Germanic 157
  • French 145
  • Italian 89
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