What does Gustave mean and where does it come from?
Gustave derives from the Old Norse name Götavarr. It was popularized in France and has variants in other languages, including Gustav in German and Swedish, as well as Gustaaf in Dutch. The name has historical significance in Europe and has been borne by many notable figures, such as Gustave Eiffel,
Cultural significance
Gustave has been a cherished name across cultures, particularly in France-speaking communities, where it reflects values of old norse.
Peak popularity
Reached #217 in 1884 — currently #7858 in the US.
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Related Reading
France-origin baby names with timeless appeal
Browse names →How else can you spell Gustave?
Same sound, different look — useful if you want something slightly more distinctive
What middle names flow best with Gustave?
Gustave works best with short, strong middle names — one or two syllables keep the full name from becoming a mouthful
Gustave Jack
One syllable · timeless choice
Gustave John
One syllable · timeless choice
Gustave Miles
One syllable · vintage charm
Gustave Brooks
One syllable · timeless choice
Gustave Quinn
One syllable · timeless choice
Gustave Dean
One syllable · on the rise
How popular is Gustave right now?
Falling — down 1566 spots — currently #7858 in the US out of 135.5k tracked names
| Year | US Rank | Births | vs Prior Year |
|---|
| 2025 | #7858 | 10 | ▼ down 1566 · -29% births |
| 2024 | #6292 | 14 | ▲ up 305 · +8% births |
| 2022 | #6597 | 13 | ▲ up 4639 · +117% births |
| 2021 | #11236 | 6 | ▼ down 4674 · -50% births |
| 2020 | #6562 | 12 | ▲ up 930 · +20% births |
| 2015 | #7492 | 10 | ▼ down 2017 · -37% births |
| 2010 | #5475 | 16 | ▲ up 2824 · +100% births |
| 2005 | #8299 | 8 | ▼ down 3514 · -47% births |
| 2000 | #4785 | 15 | ▲ up 3019 · +150% births |
| 1995 | #7804 | 6 | ▼ down 2409 · -33% births |
| 1990 | #5395 | 9 | ▼ down 2967 · -57% births |
| 1985 | #2428 | 21 | ▼ down 213 · -9% births |
| 1980 | #2215 | 23 | ▼ down 2 · +15% births |
| 1975 | #2213 | 20 | ▲ up 191 · +33% births |
| 1970 | #2404 | 15 | — |
The story of Gustave
Gustave has been a beloved American name for over 144 years, first appearing in Social Security records in 1880. With 5,385 total births recorded, Gustave remains relatively uncommon. Once ranked #238 in 1880, the name has become less common in recent years, sitting at #6597 in 2022.
Names that peaked alongside Gustave in 1884:
Gustave by decade
Gustave peaked in the 1880s. See all 1880s names →
| Decade | Births | |
|---|
| 1880s | 472 | |
| 1890s | 424 | |
| 1900s | 308 | |
| 1910s ★ | 1,091 | |
| 1920s | 1,058 | |
| 1930s | 524 | |
| 1940s | 344 | |
| 1950s | 310 | |
| 1960s | 200 | |
| 1970s | 152 | |
| 1980s | 140 | |
| 1990s | 120 | |
| 2000s | 121 | |
| 2010s | 109 | |
| 2020s | 36 | |
💎With 5,385 total births, Gustave is an uncommon but established name.
What are good nicknames for Gustave?
What names sound and feel like Gustave?
Based on sound, origin, and style — parents who love Gustave also consider these
How is Gustave written in other languages?
Common questions about the name Gustave
What does the name Gustave mean?
Gustave means "Old Norse" — a name rooted in France 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 Gustave?
Gustave is currently a distinctive and less common name as a boy name in the US and is rapidly gaining popularity — searches for Gustave have increased significantly in recent years.
What is the cultural origin of Gustave?
Gustave originates from France tradition. France 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 Gustave?
Gustave is a three-syllable name pronounced goo-STAH-vee. 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 Gustave?
Gustave pairs beautifully with sibling names that share a similar France heritage or complement its melodic and flowing sound. Names with a similar vibe create a cohesive sibling set without matching too closely.