Justus is a name of Latin origin that has been used throughout history in various forms and spellings. The name is derived from the Latin word "justus," which means "just" or "righteous." This name was often given to children born into religious families, as it reflects a desire for virtue and morality.
The use of the name Justus can be traced back to ancient Rome, where it was used as a praenomen, one of the personal names given to Roman citizens. It was also a popular name among early Christians, who often chose names that reflected their religious beliefs and values.
In the Middle Ages, the name Justus was used in Germany, where it became quite popular. In fact, Justus is still a common name in Germany today. The name has also been used in other European countries, such as Sweden and Norway, where it is spelled "Justus" or "Just."
Throughout history, several notable figures have borne the name Justus. One of the most famous was Saint Justus, who was a Christian martyr during the Roman Empire. He was executed for his faith in around 304 AD, and is now revered as a saint by many Christians.
In literature, Justus is also the name of several characters, including Justus Faldo in William Shakespeare's play "Measure for Measure," and Justus von Liebig, a fictional character in Thomas Mann's novel "The Magic Mountain."
Overall, the name Justus has a long and interesting history, with roots that can be traced back to ancient Rome. It is a name that reflects a desire for justice and righteousness, making it a popular choice for parents who want their child's name to have meaning and significance.
Here's a commentary on the given statistics for the name Justus:
The name Justus had a modest start with fewer than 10 births per year between 1880 and 1912. However, it began gaining popularity in the early 20th century, reaching double-digit figures annually from 1913 onwards.
Between 1913 and 1976, there were significant fluctuations in the number of annual births named Justus, ranging from a low of 5 to a high of 39. This period saw steady growth overall, with peaks occurring in the late 1920s, mid-1940s, late 1960s, and early 1970s.
A marked increase in popularity occurred in 1974 when 35 babies were named Justus. This trend continued throughout the 1970s and into the 1980s, with annual births exceeding 20 for most years during this period.
The name reached unprecedented levels of popularity between 1992 and 2002, with annual births ranging from 60 to 300. This period saw the highest number of babies named Justus, peaking at 300 births in 2007.
Since 2003, there has been a consistent decline in the popularity of the name Justus. Annual births have fallen below 150 since 2016 and dipped to an all-time low of 141 in 2022. Despite this recent decrease, overall popularity remains significantly higher than it was throughout most of the 20th century.
In total, there were 8965 births registered with the name Justus between 1880 and 2023.