What does Festus mean and where does it come from?
The name Festus is derived from the Latin word 'festivus', meaning joyful or festive. It was used in ancient Rome and appears in the New Testament as the name of a Roman governor, Festus the Procurator of Judea. The name was popular among early Christians and has occasionally been used in modern tim
Cultural significance
Festus has been a cherished name across cultures, particularly in Roman Empire-speaking communities, where it reflects values of latin.
Peak popularity
Reached #717 in 1883 — currently #12824 in the US.
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Related Reading
Roman Empire-origin baby names with timeless appeal
Browse names →What middle names flow best with Festus?
Festus works best with short, strong middle names — one or two syllables keep the full name from becoming a mouthful
Festus Grace
Most popular combo · classic
Festus Rose
Floral · soft ending
Festus Mae
Sweet · timeless
Festus Claire
French influence · crisp
Festus Jane
Literary · strong
Festus Skye
Modern · airy feel
How popular is Festus right now?
Falling — down 881 spots — currently #12824 in the US out of 135.5k tracked names
| Year | US Rank | Births | vs Prior Year |
|---|
| 2023 | #12824 | 5 | ▼ down 881 |
| 2020 | #11943 | 5 | ▼ down 6420 |
| 1975 | #5523 | 5 | ▼ down 2519 · -37% births |
| 1955 | #3004 | 8 | ▲ up 374 · +33% births |
| 1950 | #3378 | 6 | ▼ down 382 · -14% births |
| 1935 | #2996 | 7 | ▲ up 652 · +17% births |
| 1930 | #3648 | 6 | ▼ down 457 · -25% births |
| 1925 | #3191 | 8 | ▼ down 395 · -20% births |
| 1920 | #2796 | 10 | ▼ down 449 · -9% births |
| 1915 | #2347 | 11 | ▼ down 867 · +83% births |
| 1910 | #1480 | 6 | ▼ down 84 · +20% births |
| 1900 | #1396 | 5 | ▼ down 353 |
| 1885 | #1043 | 5 | — |
The story of Festus
Festus has been a beloved American name for over 141 years, first appearing in Social Security records in 1883. With 366 total births recorded, Festus remains relatively uncommon. Once ranked #1043 in 1885, the name has become less common in recent years, sitting at #12824 in 2023.
Names that peaked alongside Festus in 1883:
Festus by decade
Festus peaked in the 1880s. See all 1880s names →
| Decade | Births | |
|---|
| 1880s | 26 | |
| 1890s | 10 | |
| 1900s | 11 | |
| 1910s | 86 | |
| 1920s ★ | 102 | |
| 1930s | 41 | |
| 1940s | 23 | |
| 1950s | 26 | |
| 1960s | 5 | |
| 1970s | 21 | |
| 1980s | 5 | |
| 2000s | 5 | |
| 2020s | 5 | |
💎Festus has only 366 total recorded births since 1883 — rarer than 99% of names in our database.
What are good nicknames for Festus?
What names sound and feel like Festus?
Based on sound, origin, and style — parents who love Festus also consider these
How is Festus written in other languages?
Common questions about the name Festus
What does the name Festus mean?
Festus means "Latin" — a name rooted in Roman Empire 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 Festus?
Festus is currently a distinctive and less common name as a boy name in the US and is becoming rarer and more distinctive, making it a unique choice that stands out.
What is the cultural origin of Festus?
Festus originates from Roman Empire tradition. Roman Empire 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 Festus?
Festus is a two-syllable name pronounced F EH1 S T AH0 S. The pronunciation is straightforward for English speakers, and the name reads clearly on paper — an important practical consideration for parents.
Is Festus a common or rare name?
Festus is a distinctive choice that balances familiarity with individuality. It strikes a balance between standing out and fitting in.