August is a Latin name that means “esteemed” or “venerable.” Derived from ancient Roman imperial titles, the name also shares an etymological relationship with the concept “to increase.” Parents looking through in-depth baby name guides frequently appreciate this moniker for its historical dignity, rhythmic sound, and modern warmth. Today, it stands as an enduring choice for families seeking a name with deep classical roots and effortless charm.
Meaning and Origin
August functions as both a given name and a surname developed from the Latin name Augustus. In Latin, Augustus held the meaning of “esteemed” or “venerable,” and it served as a title bestowed upon Roman emperors. Its earliest imperial bearer was Gaius Julius Caesar Augustus, who held the agnomen Augustus. The underlying Latin word behind Augustus is augere, meaning “to increase.”
Beyond this direct Latin path, earlier ancestral roots include the Old Latin form *augos, the Proto-Italic *augos, and the Proto-Indo-European base *h₂ewg-, which also mean “to increase.” Another proposed etymology links the name to the Latin noun avis, meaning “bird,” combined with garrire, meaning “to chatter.” That combination referred to ancient practices of divination carried out by observing bird flights, singing, feeding, or entrails.
Throughout language history, the name took on several forms before settling into its modern English presentation. In Early Middle English, it was written as August(us), re-Latinized from the Old English form Agustus. That form arose from Late Latin Agustus and Latin augustus, referring to the month of August. August is also considered a doublet of the English adjective august and the Latin name Augustus. While it remains primarily a male given name from Latin, in some cases it originated directly as an English month name, or found inspiration in the common German given name August. In English, it also has a rare usage history as a female given name given in connection with the month of birth.
Pronunciation
In American English, August is commonly pronounced AW-gust. The first syllable carries the main stress and rhymes with “raw.” The second syllable rhymes with “dust.”
Another accepted pronunciation is OG-ust. In this version, the first syllable rhymes with “fog,” and the final syllable rhymes with “must.” Both versions remain straightforward to pronounce across English-speaking communities.
Popularity in the United States
August first appears in 1880, which was also its peak year at rank #74, and while it is most often given to boys, about 8.4% were girls. The name softened in usage over the following decades, falling to rank #469 with 203 babies in 1950 and dropping further to rank #851 with 108 babies in 1980. A steady climb began near the turn of the century, rising to rank #613 with 310 babies in 2000 and reaching rank #427 with 647 babies in 2010. Momentum carried it up to rank #155 with 2,432 babies in 2020, eventually ascending to rank #81 with 3,958 babies in 2025. In total, 68,182 US boys have received the name since 1880.
| Year | US rank (boys) | Babies named August |
|---|---|---|
| 1950 | #469 | 203 |
| 1980 | #851 | 108 |
| 2000 | #613 | 310 |
| 2010 | #427 | 647 |
| 2020 | #155 | 2,432 |
| 2025 | #81 | 3,958 |
Source: US Social Security Administration baby name data (names given to at least 5 babies in a year).
Nicknames
Parents who select August have several cheerful, friendly short forms to consider for daily use. The most common nicknames created directly from the name include Auggie, Gus, and Augie.
Another affectionate option is Gussie, which offers a softer vintage feel. These short forms allow parents to enjoy an easy, informal moniker while keeping the formal two-syllable name for legal and official settings.
Famous People Named August
- August Wilson: Renowned American playwright celebrated for his ten-play Century Cycle documenting African American life, which includes acclaimed works such as “Fences” and “The Piano Lesson.”
- August Strindberg: Influential Swedish playwright, novelist, and essayist recognized internationally for major dramatic works including “Miss Julie” and “The Father.”
- August Busch: American brewing magnate who expanded and directed the Anheuser-Busch brewing enterprise during the twentieth century.
Middle and Sibling Names
Middle names that pair naturally with August include James, Alexander, Thomas, Jude, and Andrew.
Fitting sibling names for brothers and sisters include Clara, Hazel, Oliver, Felix, and Lucy.
FAQ
What root words form the foundation of August?
The name August traces back primarily to the Latin verb augere, meaning “to increase.” Ancestral roots include the Old Latin *augos, Proto-Italic *augos, and the Proto-Indo-European base *h₂ewg-, each translating to “to increase.” Another proposed etymological link joins the Latin word avis, meaning “bird,” with garrire, meaning “to chatter,” alluding to ancient practices of divination through the flight, singing, feeding, or entrails of birds.
How many boys in the United States have been named August in total?
A total of 68,182 boys in the United States have received the name August since 1880. This overall sum spans the entire period from 1880 through the latest counts, reflecting generations of male bearers across American history.
How does the peak year for August compare to its latest rank?
August achieved its peak standing at rank #74 in 1880, coming close to that historic high when it stood at rank #81 in 2025. While 1880 represents its highest official placement on the charts, 2025 marked its modern high point with 3,958 baby boys receiving the name.
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