Gustaf

“Staff of the Goths”

Sweden origin · Boy name

♂ 97% boys♀ 3% girls

#12871US 2023

5Births / yr

↓Falling

742All-time births

📅 Since 188000.01% of births at peak

How to pronounce Gustaf

GOO·stahf

/ˈɡuː.stɑf/ · stress on GOO · 2 syllables

“Staff of the Goths”

Sweden origin · Boy name

What does Gustaf mean and where does it come from?

Gustaf is a name of Swedish origin that means 'staff of the Goths.' This name has been borne by several kings of Sweden, contributing to its prominence and regal connotation. The name has variations, such as Gustav and Gustave, and remains popular in Scandinavian countries. Its use can be traced bac

Cultural significance

Gustaf has been a cherished name across cultures, particularly in Sweden-speaking communities, where it reflects values of staff of the goths.

Peak popularity

Reached #607 in 1884 — currently #12871 in the US.

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What middle names flow best with Gustaf?

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

Gustaf Grace

How popular is Gustaf right now?

Falling — down 4205 spots — currently #12871 in the US out of 135.5k tracked names

US Trend 1880–2023#12871 · Top 9.5%

1895

1905

1915

1920

1925

1930

1980

1985

1995

2000

2005

2010

2015

2020

2023

Year	US Rank	Births	vs Prior Year
2023	#12871	5	▼ down 4205 · -37% births
2020	#8666	8	▲ up 1982 · +33% births
2015	#10648	6	▼ down 947 · -14% births
2010	#9701	7	▲ up 467 · +17% births
2005	#10168	6	▲ up 205 · +20% births
2000	#10373	5	▼ down 3950 · -37% births
1995	#6423	8	▲ up 147 · +60% births
1985	#6570	5	▼ down 273
1980	#6297	5	▼ down 4203 · -64% births
1930	#2094	14	▲ up 678 · +40% births
1925	#2772	10	▼ down 421 · -23% births
1920	#2351	13	▼ down 973 · -46% births
1915	#1378	24	▼ down 506 · +167% births
1905	#872	9	▲ up 133 · +50% births
1895	#1005	6	—

Name Popularity Timeline

Popularity Statistics for Gustaf

Best Year1905Rank #872

Peak Count24

Average Rank#6513

Current Trend↘Falling

Data Range1905 - 202314 years

The story of Gustaf

Gustaf has been a beloved American name for over 144 years, first appearing in Social Security records in 1880. With 742 total births recorded, Gustaf remains relatively uncommon. Once ranked #867 in 1880, the name has become less common in recent years, sitting at #12871 in 2023.

Names that peaked alongside Gustaf in 1884:

John William James George Charles

Gustaf by decade

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

Decade	Births
1880s	66
1890s	66
1900s	55
1910s ★	149
1920s	116
1930s	35
1940s	6
1950s	33
1960s	10
1970s	12
1980s	32
1990s	43
2000s	61
2010s	50
2020s	8

💎Gustaf has only 742 total recorded births since 1880 — rarer than 99% of names in our database.

What are good nicknames for Gustaf?

DUTCH

Guus

FINNISH

Kusti

DANISH

Gustav

MEDIEVAL SLAVIC

Gostislav

What names sound and feel like Gustaf?

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

Gustav

Sweden · Staff of the

Mustaf

Turkey · chosen, selected

Gustaaf

Sanskrit · A Sanskrit name

Gustaw

Sanskrit · A Sanskrit name

Gústaf

International · A International name

Gurtaj

India · One who is

Guntar

Sanskrit · A Sanskrit name

Gunar

Sweden · Old Norse

How is Gustaf written in other languages?

Common questions about the name Gustaf

What does the name Gustaf mean?

Gustaf means "Staff of the Goths" — a name rooted in Sweden 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 Gustaf?

Gustaf 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 Gustaf?

Gustaf originates from Sweden tradition. Sweden 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 Gustaf?

Gustaf is a two-syllable name pronounced G UW1 S T AA0 F. The pronunciation is straightforward for English speakers, and the name reads clearly on paper — an important practical consideration for parents.

Is Gustaf a common or rare name?

Gustaf is a distinctive choice that balances familiarity with individuality. It strikes a balance between standing out and fitting in.