What does Guss mean and where does it come from?
Guss is often a variant or diminutive form of the name Augustus, which has Latin origins and signifies 'great' or 'magnificent'. Additionally, Guss can be found in German-speaking countries as a firm but friendly name. It was more common in the late 19th century. In recent years, it may be featured
Cultural significance
Guss has been a cherished name across cultures, particularly in Germanic-speaking communities, where it reflects values of a diminutive of augustus meaning 'majestic or venerable'..
Peak popularity
Reached #370 in 1883 — currently #1142 in the US.
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Related Reading
Germanic-origin baby names with timeless appeal
Browse names →What middle names flow best with Guss?
Guss works best with short, strong middle names — one or two syllables keep the full name from becoming a mouthful
Guss Grace
Most popular combo · classic
Guss Rose
Floral · soft ending
Guss Claire
French influence · crisp
Guss Jane
Literary · strong
Guss Skye
Modern · airy feel
How popular is Guss right now?
Holding steady — currently #1142 in the US out of 135.5k tracked names
| Year | US Rank | Births | vs Prior Year |
|---|
| 2023 | #1142 | 1,058 | ▲ up 5 · +2% births |
| 2022 | #1147 | 1,038 | ▲ up 5 · +3% births |
| 2021 | #1152 | 1,008 | ▲ up 2531 · +16700% births |
| 1960 | #3683 | 6 | ▼ down 891 · -25% births |
| 1950 | #2792 | 8 | ▼ down 199 |
| 1945 | #2593 | 8 | ▲ up 895 · +60% births |
| 1940 | #3488 | 5 | ▼ down 754 · -37% births |
| 1935 | #2734 | 8 | ▼ down 644 · -43% births |
| 1930 | #2090 | 14 | ▼ down 699 · -50% births |
| 1925 | #1391 | 28 | ▼ down 248 · -28% births |
| 1920 | #1143 | 39 | ▼ down 85 · +5% births |
| 1915 | #1058 | 37 | ▼ down 117 · +208% births |
| 1910 | #941 | 12 | ▼ down 289 · -14% births |
| 1905 | #652 | 14 | ▼ down 57 · -22% births |
| 1900 | #595 | 18 | — |
The story of Guss
Guss has been a beloved American name for over 144 years, first appearing in Social Security records in 1880. With 1,137 total births recorded, Guss remains relatively uncommon. Once ranked #660 in 1880, the name has become less common in recent years, sitting at #1142 in 2023.
Names that peaked alongside Guss in 1883:
Guss by decade
Guss peaked in the 1880s. See all 1880s names →
| Decade | Births | |
|---|
| 1880s | 128 | |
| 1890s | 113 | |
| 1900s | 118 | |
| 1910s | 234 | |
| 1920s ★ | 275 | |
| 1930s | 110 | |
| 1940s | 81 | |
| 1950s | 48 | |
| 1960s | 24 | |
| 1980s | 6 | |
💎With 1,137 total births, Guss is an uncommon but established name.
What are good nicknames for Guss?
Famous people named Guss
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Guss (German philosopher)
Guss used this name in the rich tradition of German intellectual and philosophical culture.
G(
Guss (medieval German ruler)
Guss bore this name during the Holy Roman Empire, spreading Germanic naming traditions across Europe.
G(
Guss (Norse explorer)
Guss carried this name across Scandinavia and into the North Atlantic during the Viking Age.
G(
Guss (German philosopher)
Guss used this name in the rich tradition of German intellectual and philosophical culture.
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Celebrity Names
What celebrities named their babies in 2024
Explore →What names sound and feel like Guss?
Based on sound, origin, and style — parents who love Guss also consider these
Common questions about the name Guss
What does the name Guss mean?
Guss means "A diminutive of Augustus meaning 'majestic or venerable'." — a name rooted in Germanic 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 Guss?
Guss 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 Guss?
Guss originates from Germanic tradition. Germanic names tend to carry strong cultural heritage and have spread across the world through migration, literature, and religion over centuries.
How does Guss sound with different last names?
As a one-syllable name, Guss flows best with last names of two or three syllables. Avoid last names ending in the same sound as Guss ends, as this can create an unwanted rhyme. Test by saying the full name out loud several times.
Is Guss a common or rare name?
Guss is a distinctive choice that balances familiarity with individuality. It strikes a balance between standing out and fitting in.