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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Related Reading
Greek-origin baby names with timeless appeal
Browse names →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
Most popular combo · classic
Erastus Rose
Floral · soft ending
Erastus Mae
Sweet · timeless
Erastus Claire
French influence · crisp
Erastus Jane
Literary · strong
Erastus Skye
Modern · airy feel
How popular is Erastus right now?
Holding steady — currently #1591 in the US out of 135.5k tracked names
| 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 | — |
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:
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?
Famous people named Erastus
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Erastus (Greek mythological figure)
Erastus carried this name in Greek mythology, connecting it to divine or heroic tradition.
E(
Erastus (Byzantine leader)
Erastus used this name through the Byzantine Empire, preserving its Greek heritage into the medieval era.
E(
Erastus (Greek poet or artist)
Erastus helped establish this as a name of cultural and artistic prestige in the Hellenic world.
E(
Erastus (modern Greek athlete)
Erastus brought this name to international sporting recognition representing Greece.
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Celebrity Names
What celebrities named their babies in 2024
Explore →What names sound and feel like Erastus?
Based on sound, origin, and style — parents who love Erastus also consider these
How is Erastus written in other languages?
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.