August
Pronounced: AW-gust
Meaning: Venerable, Majestic, Great
Gender: Boy
Origin: Latin
Language: English
What does August mean?
August comes from the Latin element meaning venerable or majestic, originally associated with high status and reverence. The name carries a sense of dignity that has been felt across languages and eras.
As a given name it feels classic and assured. It pairs a calm, slightly formal tone with a warm, accessible nickname culture. August can read as stately and grown up, yet it also feels approachable and modern when used alongside everyday family names.
❤️ Why Parents Choose This Name
- It has a strong historical pedigree while remaining in regular modern use.
- Short, friendly nicknames such as Gus or Augie give it family warmth.
- The name works well at every life stage, from child to professional adult.
- It pairs easily with both traditional and more contemporary middle names.
- It carries dignified, slightly literary associations without feeling fussy.
- Its connection to the late summer month offers seasonal resonance for summer babies.
Historical Context
August traces back to the Latin title Augustus, which was an honorific used by Roman emperors. The word itself suggested dignity and reverence and became used as a personal name in various forms over centuries. The masculine English form August developed from those Latin roots and from Continental variants.
Over time the name moved from a title and surname into steady use as a given name, especially in the 18th and 19th centuries in English-speaking countries and in many parts of Europe. It has often been favoured by families seeking a name with historical weight but without heavy religious specificity.
In the modern era August benefits from two parallel associations. One is the classic, imperial echo from its Latin origin. The other is the seasonal link to the month of August, which makes it appealing for children born in late summer. Both associations help explain why the name feels both venerable and familiar today.
Original Form
Related Names
Variants of August
Gender counterparts
International Variants
| Name | Language |
|---|---|
| Agostino |  Italian |
| Agustin |  Spanish |
| Augustas |  Lithuanian |
| Augustin |  French (Modern) |
| Augustus |  English (Classic) |
| Agustine | English (Modern) |
| Agustus | English (Modern) |
| Auggie | English (Modern) |
| Augie | English (Modern) |
| Auguste | French (Modern) |
| Augusten | English (Modern) |
| Augusto | Italian (Modern) |
| Austen | English (British) |
| Gus | English (Modern) |
Great Middle Names for August
August pairs well with concise, steady middle names that balance its classic feel.
- August Charles
- August Edward
- August Felix
- August Henry
- August James
- August Oliver
- August Thomas
- August William
Sibling names that go well with August
Matches best with traditional, slightly literary names that share a timeless quality.
Popularity of August over time
In 2024, August was given to 140 boys in the UK and 3,876 boys in the US. August has risen sharply over the last 20 years, and is now a well-used boys' name especially in the US.
What do parents think of August?
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