August is a name of Latin origin and it means "great" or "magnificent." It was originally used as an adjective to describe someone who had a majestic presence or possessed great qualities.
The name August is derived from the Latin word augustus, which means "majestic" or "venerable." This word was later adopted by the Romans and used to refer to their emperors. Augustus Caesar, also known as Octavian, was the first Roman emperor to be given this title after his victory over Mark Antony at the Battle of Actium in 31 BC.
The name Augustus became popular during the Middle Ages in Europe as a way to honor the Roman emperors and their legacy. It was often used as a given name for children born into nobility or royal families. Over time, the name August became more commonly used among the general population and is now considered a classic choice for boys.
In some cultures, the name August is associated with the month of August, which was named after Augustus Caesar in his honor. However, this connection is not believed to have influenced the meaning or popularity of the name itself. Today, August continues to be a beloved name around the world and is often chosen by parents who wish to give their children a strong and dignified name with a rich history behind it.
The name August experienced significant fluctuations in popularity over the past century and a half. In the late 19th to early 20th centuries, it was relatively uncommon, with fewer than 250 births per year from 1890 to 1945. However, there were notable spikes during World War I, with peaks of 709 births in 1915 and 676 in 1916.
Beginning in the 1990s, August started gaining traction, reaching over 250 births per year consistently since 1994. This trend continued into the 21st century, with a substantial increase from around 300 births per year in the early 2000s to over 3000 births annually by 2021 and 2022, making it one of the most popular boy's names recently. Overall, there have been approximately 60,287 babies named August since 1880.