What does August mean and where does it come from?
The name August derives from the Latin 'augustus', meaning 'majestic' or 'venerable'. Traditionally a male name, it has seen a shift in recent years to being used for females as well, particularly in the United States. Notable people with the name include Auguste Rodin, the French sculptor. The name
Cultural significance
August has been a cherished name across cultures, particularly in American-speaking communities, where it reflects values of majestic, venerable.
Peak popularity
Reached #81 in 2025 — currently #81 in the US.
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Related Reading
American-origin baby names with timeless appeal
Browse names →How else can you spell August?
Same sound, different look — useful if you want something slightly more distinctive
What middle names flow best with August?
August works best with short, strong middle names — one or two syllables keep the full name from becoming a mouthful
August Jack
One syllable · timeless choice
August John
One syllable · timeless choice
August Luke
One syllable · timeless choice
August Miles
One syllable · vintage charm
August Beau
One syllable · on the rise
August Brooks
One syllable · timeless choice
How popular is August right now?
Rising — up 7 spots — currently #81 in the US out of 135.5k tracked names
| Year | US Rank | Births | vs Prior Year |
|---|
| 2025 | #81 | 3,958 | ▲ up 7 · +2% births |
| 2024 | #88 | 3,894 | ▲ up 16 · +13% births |
| 2023 | #104 | 3,454 | ▲ up 5 · +1% births |
| 2022 | #109 | 3,418 | ▲ up 11 · +8% births |
| 2021 | #120 | 3,158 | ▲ up 736 · +912% births |
| 2020 | #856 | 312 | ▲ up 207 · +26% births |
| 2015 | #1063 | 247 | ▲ up 756 · +121% births |
| 2010 | #1819 | 112 | ▲ up 286 · +27% births |
| 2005 | #2105 | 88 | ▼ down 348 · -11% births |
| 2000 | #1757 | 99 | ▲ up 62 · +27% births |
| 1995 | #1819 | 78 | ▲ up 2414 · +239% births |
| 1990 | #4233 | 23 | ▼ down 1150 · -21% births |
| 1985 | #3083 | 29 | ▼ down 736 · -29% births |
| 1980 | #2347 | 41 | ▲ up 630 · +71% births |
| 1975 | #2977 | 24 | — |
The story of August
August entered American naming records in 1914 and has been in use for over 110 years. A total of 54,938 babies have received this name. The name has grown more popular over time, rising from #2907 in 1915 to #104 in 2023. August is used for both genders: 9% female and 91% male.
Names that peaked alongside August in 2025:
August by decade
August peaked in the 2020s. See all 2020s names →
| Decade | Births | |
|---|
| 1880s | 2,012 | |
| 1890s | 1,703 | |
| 1900s | 1,245 | |
| 1910s | 4,890 | |
| 1920s | 5,327 | |
| 1930s | 3,210 | |
| 1940s | 2,434 | |
| 1950s | 1,846 | |
| 1960s | 1,320 | |
| 1970s | 1,332 | |
| 1980s | 1,468 | |
| 1990s | 2,825 | |
| 2000s | 4,788 | |
| 2010s ★ | 17,823 | |
| 2020s | 11,126 | |
What are good nicknames for August?
What names sound and feel like August?
Based on sound, origin, and style — parents who love August also consider these
How is August written in other languages?
What are the girl versions of August?
Common questions about the name August
What does the name August mean?
August means "Majestic, venerable" — a name rooted in American tradition that carries both historical depth and timeless appeal. The meaning reflects values that have made this name endure across generations.
How popular is the name August?
August is currently ranked #104 in the United States as a baby name in the US and is rapidly gaining popularity — searches for August have increased significantly in recent years.
What is the cultural origin of August?
August originates from American tradition. American names tend to carry strong cultural heritage and have spread across the world through migration, literature, and religion over centuries.
How do you pronounce the name August?
August is a two-syllable name pronounced AH-gust. The pronunciation is straightforward for English speakers, and the name reads clearly on paper — an important practical consideration for parents.
Is August trending right now?
August is currently on the rise — it has gained significant momentum in recent years as parents discover its appeal.