Erastus

“beloved”

Greek origin · Boy name

♂ 97% boys♀ 3% girls

#1591US 2023

609Births / yr

→Stable

407All-time births

📅 Since 188000.02% of births at peak

How to pronounce Erastus

ir·AST·us

/ɪr.ˈæst.əs/ · stress on AST · 3 syllables

“beloved”

Greek origin · Boy name

What does Erastus mean and where does it come from?

The name Erastus is of Greek origin, derived from 'Erastos' (Ἐράστος), meaning 'beloved'. It is a name that has historical roots, appearing in the Christian New Testament, where Erastus was mentioned as a biblical figure and a companion of Paul the Apostle. The name was once popular in both Greece a

Cultural significance

Erastus has been a cherished name across cultures, particularly in Greek-speaking communities, where it reflects values of beloved.

Peak popularity

Reached #394 in 1880 — currently #1591 in the US.

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What middle names flow best with Erastus?

Erastus works best with short, strong middle names — one or two syllables keep the full name from becoming a mouthful

Erastus Grace

How popular is Erastus right now?

Holding steady — currently #1591 in the US out of 135.5k tracked names

US Trend 1880–2023#1591 · Top 1.2%

1880

1885

1900

1915

1920

1925

1930

2021

2022

2023

Year	US Rank	Births	vs Prior Year
2023	#1591	609	▲ up 5 · +3% births
2022	#1596	589	▲ up 5 · +5% births
2021	#1601	559	▲ up 2019 · +9217% births
1930	#3620	6	▼ down 448 · -25% births
1925	#3172	8	▼ down 395 · -20% births
1920	#2777	10	▼ down 1269 · -52% births
1915	#1508	21	▼ down 174 · +320% births
1900	#1334	5	▼ down 851 · -67% births
1885	#483	15	▼ down 89 · -21% births
1880	#394	19	—

Name Popularity Timeline

Popularity Statistics for Erastus

Best Year1900Rank #1334

Peak Count609

Average Rank#2150

Current Trend↗Rising

Data Range1900 - 20238 years

The story of Erastus

Erastus has been a beloved American name for over 144 years, first appearing in Social Security records in 1880. With 407 total births recorded, Erastus remains relatively uncommon. Once ranked #394 in 1880, the name has become less common in recent years, sitting at #1591 in 2023.

Names that peaked alongside Erastus in 1880:

John William James Charles George

Erastus by decade

Erastus peaked in the 1880s. See all 1880s names →

Decade	Births
1880s	102
1890s	35
1900s	10
1910s ★	110
1920s	103
1930s	23
1940s	19
1950s	5

💎Erastus has only 407 total recorded births since 1880 — rarer than 99% of names in our database.

What are good nicknames for Erastus?

ENGLISH

Rastus

Famous people named Erastus

Erastus (Greek mythological figure)

Erastus carried this name in Greek mythology, connecting it to divine or heroic tradition.

Erastus (Byzantine leader)

Erastus used this name through the Byzantine Empire, preserving its Greek heritage into the medieval era.

Erastus (Greek poet or artist)

Erastus helped establish this as a name of cultural and artistic prestige in the Hellenic world.

Erastus (modern Greek athlete)

Erastus brought this name to international sporting recognition representing Greece.

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What names sound and feel like Erastus?

Based on sound, origin, and style — parents who love Erastus also consider these

Erasmus

Greek · Beloved

Erastatus

German · A German name

Ernestus

German · A German name

Exantus

International · A International name

Erastes

German · A German name

Demastus

French · A French name

Rastus

American · The one who

Orestus

Greece · Mountain dweller

How is Erastus written in other languages?

Εραστος

Ancient Greek

Common questions about the name Erastus

What does the name Erastus mean?

Erastus means "beloved" — a name rooted in Greek 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 Erastus?

Erastus is currently a distinctive and less common name as a boy name in the US and is holding steady in popularity, a reliable classic that parents consistently choose.

What is the cultural origin of Erastus?

Erastus originates from Greek tradition. Greek 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 Erastus?

Erastus is a three-syllable name pronounced IH0 R AE1 S T AH0 S. The pronunciation is straightforward for English speakers, and the name reads clearly on paper — an important practical consideration for parents.

What sibling names go well with Erastus?

Erastus pairs beautifully with sibling names that share a similar Greek heritage or complement its melodic and flowing sound. Names with a similar vibe create a cohesive sibling set without matching too closely.