Gustaf is a Swedish masculine given name that is derived from the Germanic elements "guth" meaning "god" or "spirit," and "fridu" meaning "peace." The name Gustaf means "peace of God."
The name Gustaf has a long history in Sweden, with its usage dating back to the Middle Ages. It was particularly popular among Swedish royalty, with several kings bearing the name Gustaf throughout history. One of the most famousGustafs was King Gustaf II Adolf (1594-1632), who led Sweden during the Thirty Years' War and is considered one of Sweden's greatest heroes.
The name Gustaf has also been used by notable figures in Swedish history and culture, such as Gustaf Vasa, a 16th-century nobleman who led a rebellion against Danish rule and became king of Sweden, and Gustaf Fröding, a prominent Swedish poet from the late 19th century.
Today, Gustaf remains a popular name in Sweden, with its usage ranking consistently among the top boys' names in recent years. Despite its Swedish origin and popularity, Gustaf has also gained recognition internationally, appearing on name lists in countries such as Norway, Denmark, and even beyond Scandinavia.
"The name Gustaf experienced significant fluctuations in popularity over the years, with a notable surge in the early 20th century, peaking at 24 births in 1915. However, it has generally been quite uncommon, with fewer than 10 births per year for most of its history."