Augustus
/au̯.ˈɡus.tus/
Augustus derives from the Latin verb augeo, meaning “to increase,” and carries the sense of “exalted” or “venerable.” The Roman Senate bestowed the title on Gaius Octavius in 27 BC.
As the first Roman emperor’s honorific, Augustus shaped Western naming for centuries. It appeared among European royalty, including three kings of Poland and electors of Saxony.
SSA records show a peak at No. 175 in 1880 with 74 births. In 2024, Augustus ranks No. 408 with 787 births - a dramatic resurgence dwarfing its 19th-century baseline.
What the name Augustus means
Roald Dahl’s Charlie and the Chocolate Factory features Augustus Gloop, a memorable if unflattering character. The name also appears in HBO’s Deadwood and multiple historical novels.
Four syllables - aw-GUS-tus - give the name a grand cadence. The stressed middle syllable anchors a name that feels monumental yet rhythmic.
Modern families often shorten it to Gus, gaining a casual nickname from a formal classic. This flexibility drives much of its current appeal.
Augustus belongs to a wave of maximalist names - Theodore, Sebastian, Alexander - that parents embrace for their historical depth and built-in short forms.
US popularity over time
Numerology and symbolism
Based on Pythagorean numerology — a traditional system linking name letters to numbers. Presented for cultural interest.
Famous people named Augustus
Augustus - similar names
Not seeing what you want? Browse all names by origin or popularity