Augustus

Boy Name
Origin:latin
Pronunciation:/ɔːˈɡʌs.təs/

Augustus: a male name of Latin origin meaning "This name comes from the Latin superlative “Augustus” (sacred, holy, august, majestic, sublime, venerable, solemn) from “augĕo > augēre” (increase, develop, enlarge, strengthen, enhance)". It derives from the Latin word "augĕo > augēre > Augustus".

The name Augustus carries a rich history rooted in Latin culture. Derived from "augĕo > augēre > Augustus", this masculine name embodies the essence of This name comes from the Latin superlative “Augustus” (sacred, holy, august, majestic, sublime, venerable, solemn) from “augĕo > augēre” (increase, develop, enlarge, strengthen, enhance). Its linguistic journey through centuries reflects the cultural values and traditions of Latin-speaking communities.

Quick Facts About Augustus

Quick facts about Augustus
OriginLatin
GenderBoy name
PopularityUncommon

Researched by Name Doctor Linguistics Team

Our names are verified by professional linguists with expertise in etymology and cultural naming traditions.

Last reviewed: November 2025

Meaning

This name comes from the Latin superlative “Augustus” (sacred, holy, august, majestic, sublime, venerable, solemn) from “augĕo > augēre” (increase, develop, enlarge, strengthen, enhance). Augustus (Latin: Imperator Caesar Divi F. Augustus) was the founder of the Roman Empire and its first Emperor, ruling from 27 BC until he died in 14 AD). St. Augoustinos was bishop of Hippo Regius (present-day Annaba, Algeria). He was a Latin philosopher and theologian from the Africa Province of the Roman Empire and is generally considered as one of the greatest Christian thinkers of all time. Auguste Ferdinande of Austria, Princess of Bavaria (1825–1864), was the daughter of Leopold II, Grand Duke of Tuscany, and his first wife, Maria Anna of Saxony, and the wife of Luitpold, Prince Regent of Bavaria. Princess Augusta of Hesse-Kassel (1797–1889) was the wife of Prince Adolphus, Duke of Cambridge, the tenth-born child, and seventh son of George III of the United Kingdom and Charlotte of Mecklenburg-Strelitz.

Etymology & Details

Name Root

augĕo > augēre > Augustus

How to Pronounce Augustus

Augustus is pronounced /ɔːˈɡʌs.təs/(English)

Step-by-step pronunciation guide:

  1. Break it into syllables: Aug-ustus
  2. Say it like: "AUG-USTUS"
  3. Practice saying it naturally a few times

Pronunciation verified by linguistic sources

Usage & Popularity

Augustus enjoys international appeal, used in 6 different linguistic and cultural contexts including norwegian, swedish, danish, and many others. This widespread adoption reflects its universal resonance.

norwegianswedishdanishfinnishdutchlatin
Frequently Asked Questions About Augustus
What does the name Augustus mean?
Augustus means "This name comes from the Latin superlative “Augustus” (sacred, holy, august, majestic, sublime, venerable, solemn) from “augĕo > augēre” (increase, develop, enlarge, strengthen, enhance). Augustus (Latin: Imperator Caesar Divi F. Augustus) was the founder of the Roman Empire and its first Emperor, ruling from 27 BC until he died in 14 AD). St. Augoustinos was bishop of Hippo Regius (present-day Annaba, Algeria). He was a Latin philosopher and theologian from the Africa Province of the Roman Empire and is generally considered as one of the greatest Christian thinkers of all time. Auguste Ferdinande of Austria, Princess of Bavaria (1825–1864), was the daughter of Leopold II, Grand Duke of Tuscany, and his first wife, Maria Anna of Saxony, and the wife of Luitpold, Prince Regent of Bavaria. Princess Augusta of Hesse-Kassel (1797–1889) was the wife of Prince Adolphus, Duke of Cambridge, the tenth-born child, and seventh son of George III of the United Kingdom and Charlotte of Mecklenburg-Strelitz.". The name comes from augĕo > augēre > Augustus. This latin name has been passed down through generations, carrying its meaning across different cultures and time periods. Parents who choose Augustus for boys often connect with the name's meaning of "This name comes from the Latin superlative “Augustus” (sacred, holy, august, majestic, sublime, venerable, solemn) from “augĕo > augēre” (increase, develop, enlarge, strengthen, enhance). Augustus (Latin: Imperator Caesar Divi F. Augustus) was the founder of the Roman Empire and its first Emperor, ruling from 27 BC until he died in 14 AD). St. Augoustinos was bishop of Hippo Regius (present-day Annaba, Algeria). He was a Latin philosopher and theologian from the Africa Province of the Roman Empire and is generally considered as one of the greatest Christian thinkers of all time. Auguste Ferdinande of Austria, Princess of Bavaria (1825–1864), was the daughter of Leopold II, Grand Duke of Tuscany, and his first wife, Maria Anna of Saxony, and the wife of Luitpold, Prince Regent of Bavaria. Princess Augusta of Hesse-Kassel (1797–1889) was the wife of Prince Adolphus, Duke of Cambridge, the tenth-born child, and seventh son of George III of the United Kingdom and Charlotte of Mecklenburg-Strelitz." as a quality they hope to see in their child. Augustus offers a distinctive option for parents who want a name with clear meaning that stands apart from more common choices. The name is associated with qualities like JULIAN CALENDAR MONTHS (SEXTILIS-AUGUSTUS / AUGUST) / RELIGION (BISHOPS), reflecting its meaning in how people perceive those who carry it.
What is the origin of the name Augustus?
Augustus is a latin name. The name traces back to augĕo > augēre > Augustus. From its latin roots, Augustus spread to become common in norwegian, swedish, danish, finnish and other cultures. The latin meaning "This name comes from the Latin superlative “Augustus” (sacred, holy, august, majestic, sublime, venerable, solemn) from “augĕo > augēre” (increase, develop, enlarge, strengthen, enhance). Augustus (Latin: Imperator Caesar Divi F. Augustus) was the founder of the Roman Empire and its first Emperor, ruling from 27 BC until he died in 14 AD). St. Augoustinos was bishop of Hippo Regius (present-day Annaba, Algeria). He was a Latin philosopher and theologian from the Africa Province of the Roman Empire and is generally considered as one of the greatest Christian thinkers of all time. Auguste Ferdinande of Austria, Princess of Bavaria (1825–1864), was the daughter of Leopold II, Grand Duke of Tuscany, and his first wife, Maria Anna of Saxony, and the wife of Luitpold, Prince Regent of Bavaria. Princess Augusta of Hesse-Kassel (1797–1889) was the wife of Prince Adolphus, Duke of Cambridge, the tenth-born child, and seventh son of George III of the United Kingdom and Charlotte of Mecklenburg-Strelitz." reflects values important in the culture where this name first appeared.
Is Augustus a boy or girl name?
Augustus is a boy's name. The name has been used for boys across many generations, maintaining its masculine character through different eras and cultures. In latin tradition, Augustus has historically been given to boys. The meaning "This name comes from the Latin superlative “Augustus” (sacred, holy, august, majestic, sublime, venerable, solemn) from “augĕo > augēre” (increase, develop, enlarge, strengthen, enhance). Augustus (Latin: Imperator Caesar Divi F. Augustus) was the founder of the Roman Empire and its first Emperor, ruling from 27 BC until he died in 14 AD). St. Augoustinos was bishop of Hippo Regius (present-day Annaba, Algeria). He was a Latin philosopher and theologian from the Africa Province of the Roman Empire and is generally considered as one of the greatest Christian thinkers of all time. Auguste Ferdinande of Austria, Princess of Bavaria (1825–1864), was the daughter of Leopold II, Grand Duke of Tuscany, and his first wife, Maria Anna of Saxony, and the wife of Luitpold, Prince Regent of Bavaria. Princess Augusta of Hesse-Kassel (1797–1889) was the wife of Prince Adolphus, Duke of Cambridge, the tenth-born child, and seventh son of George III of the United Kingdom and Charlotte of Mecklenburg-Strelitz." carries well for a son, giving the name lasting appeal.
How do you pronounce Augustus?
Augustus is pronounced "/ɔːˈɡʌs.təs/". This pronunciation follows en language patterns. As a single-syllable name, Augustus is quick to say and easy to call out. Pronunciation may vary slightly in norwegian, swedish, danish, where the name is also used. Local accents and language rules can shift certain sounds while keeping the name recognizable. If you're unfamiliar with latin names, listening to a native speaker say Augustus can help you catch the right rhythm and emphasis.
How popular is the name Augustus?
Augustus is less common but not rare. As a less common choice, Augustus gives a child a name that stands out. Most people will encounter it rarely, making it memorable when they do. Augustus's popularity may vary between latin communities and the broader population, where naming trends differ. The name's meaning of "This name comes from the Latin superlative “Augustus” (sacred, holy, august, majestic, sublime, venerable, solemn) from “augĕo > augēre” (increase, develop, enlarge, strengthen, enhance). Augustus (Latin: Imperator Caesar Divi F. Augustus) was the founder of the Roman Empire and its first Emperor, ruling from 27 BC until he died in 14 AD). St. Augoustinos was bishop of Hippo Regius (present-day Annaba, Algeria). He was a Latin philosopher and theologian from the Africa Province of the Roman Empire and is generally considered as one of the greatest Christian thinkers of all time. Auguste Ferdinande of Austria, Princess of Bavaria (1825–1864), was the daughter of Leopold II, Grand Duke of Tuscany, and his first wife, Maria Anna of Saxony, and the wife of Luitpold, Prince Regent of Bavaria. Princess Augusta of Hesse-Kassel (1797–1889) was the wife of Prince Adolphus, Duke of Cambridge, the tenth-born child, and seventh son of George III of the United Kingdom and Charlotte of Mecklenburg-Strelitz." likely influences its appeal, as parents often choose names that express values or hopes for their children. Among boys' names, Augustus holds its own, appealing to parents who value distinctive options.
Where is the name Augustus commonly used?
Augustus spans multiple cultures, including norwegian, swedish, danish, and 3 other traditions. The name originated in latin culture and spread as people migrated and cultures exchanged ideas. Names that work across multiple cultures, like Augustus, often have straightforward pronunciation and positive meanings that translate well. The meaning "This name comes from the Latin superlative “Augustus” (sacred, holy, august, majestic, sublime, venerable, solemn) from “augĕo > augēre” (increase, develop, enlarge, strengthen, enhance). Augustus (Latin: Imperator Caesar Divi F. Augustus) was the founder of the Roman Empire and its first Emperor, ruling from 27 BC until he died in 14 AD). St. Augoustinos was bishop of Hippo Regius (present-day Annaba, Algeria). He was a Latin philosopher and theologian from the Africa Province of the Roman Empire and is generally considered as one of the greatest Christian thinkers of all time. Auguste Ferdinande of Austria, Princess of Bavaria (1825–1864), was the daughter of Leopold II, Grand Duke of Tuscany, and his first wife, Maria Anna of Saxony, and the wife of Luitpold, Prince Regent of Bavaria. Princess Augusta of Hesse-Kassel (1797–1889) was the wife of Prince Adolphus, Duke of Cambridge, the tenth-born child, and seventh son of George III of the United Kingdom and Charlotte of Mecklenburg-Strelitz." carries universal appeal, helping explain why different cultures adopted Augustus into their naming traditions. A child named Augustus will likely find their name recognized in multiple countries, which can be an advantage for families with international connections or who value global accessibility. Across these cultures, Augustus is given to boys, maintaining consistent gender association.
What is the cultural significance of Augustus?
Augustus carries associations with JULIAN CALENDAR MONTHS (SEXTILIS-AUGUSTUS / AUGUST) / RELIGION (BISHOPS). These qualities shape how people perceive the name and those who carry it, creating expectations and first impressions. The name's meaning of "This name comes from the Latin superlative “Augustus” (sacred, holy, august, majestic, sublime, venerable, solemn) from “augĕo > augēre” (increase, develop, enlarge, strengthen, enhance). Augustus (Latin: Imperator Caesar Divi F. Augustus) was the founder of the Roman Empire and its first Emperor, ruling from 27 BC until he died in 14 AD). St. Augoustinos was bishop of Hippo Regius (present-day Annaba, Algeria). He was a Latin philosopher and theologian from the Africa Province of the Roman Empire and is generally considered as one of the greatest Christian thinkers of all time. Auguste Ferdinande of Austria, Princess of Bavaria (1825–1864), was the daughter of Leopold II, Grand Duke of Tuscany, and his first wife, Maria Anna of Saxony, and the wife of Luitpold, Prince Regent of Bavaria. Princess Augusta of Hesse-Kassel (1797–1889) was the wife of Prince Adolphus, Duke of Cambridge, the tenth-born child, and seventh son of George III of the United Kingdom and Charlotte of Mecklenburg-Strelitz." reinforces these associations, connecting the literal translation to the character traits people expect. In latin culture, where Augustus originates, these qualities held particular value, making the name a way to express hopes for a child's character. Research shows that names do influence perceptions. People form impressions based on names before meeting someone, which means choosing Augustus sets certain expectations. Parents choosing Augustus often connect with one or more of these associations, selecting the name because it represents qualities they value or wish for their child. In norwegian communities, these associations may carry extra weight, as naming traditions often reinforce cultural values.

Sources: Etymology verified through linguistic research including Oxford Dictionary of First Names, Behind the Name, and academic etymology databases.

Similar Names

Explore More Names