Octavius is a masculine given name of Latin origin. It is derived from the Roman family name Octavius, which was taken from the Latin word "octo" meaning eight. This is because the first person to bear this name, Gaius Octavius, was born in the eighth month of the year.
The name Octavius became famous through its most notable bearer, Gaius Octavius Thurinus, who later adopted the name Caesar and became known as Julius Caesar. His great-nephew and heir, Gaius Octavius, went on to become the first Roman Emperor, Octavian Augustus. The month of August is named after him.
Throughout history, the name Octavius has been used by several notable figures, including Octavius Winslow, an American Baptist pastor and author, and Octavius Coates, a British naval officer and explorer.
Today, Octavius remains a rare but distinctive given name. It is often associated with strength, leadership, and historical significance due to its famous bearers throughout history. Despite its Latin origins, the name has been used in various cultures and countries around the world, contributing to its diverse and rich heritage.
The name Octavius experienced significant popularity fluctuations over the 112-year span, with a notable increase starting from 1970 onwards. The highest number of births recorded in any given year was 126 in 1991. However, recent years have seen a decline, with only 88 births recorded in 2023. Overall, there were 3538 births named Octavius during this period.