Gustavus

“staff of the Goths”

Latin origin · Boy name

♂ 97% boys♀ 3% girls

#868US 2023

1.3kBirths / yr

→Stable

266All-time births

📅 Since 188000.01% of births at peak

How to pronounce Gustavus

GUHST·uv·us

/ˈɡəst.əv.əs/ · stress on GUHST · 3 syllables

“staff of the Goths”

Latin origin · Boy name

What does Gustavus mean and where does it come from?

Gustavus is derived from the Old Swedish name Gustav, which combines 'gaut' (Goth) and 'stag' (staff). The name is historically significant in Sweden; it is borne by several kings, most notably Gustavus Adolphus, the King of Sweden during the Thirty Years' War. The name has variations in different l

Cultural significance

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

Peak popularity

Reached #739 in 1882 — currently #868 in the US.

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What middle names flow best with Gustavus?

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

Gustavus Grace

How popular is Gustavus right now?

Holding steady — currently #868 in the US out of 135.5k tracked names

US Trend 1880–2023#868 · Top 0.64%

1880

1890

1915

1930

1940

1950

1955

1960

1970

1980

2021

2022

2023

Year	US Rank	Births	vs Prior Year
2023	#868	1,332	▲ up 5 · +2% births
2022	#873	1,312	▲ up 5 · +2% births
2021	#878	1,282	▲ up 4081 · +18214% births
1980	#4959	7	▼ down 1651 · -22% births
1970	#3308	9	▲ up 761 · +80% births
1960	#4069	5	▼ down 536 · -17% births
1955	#3533	6	▼ down 176
1950	#3357	6	▼ down 193
1940	#3164	6	▲ up 146 · -14% births
1930	#3310	7	▼ down 668 · -22% births
1915	#2642	9	▼ down 1586 · +80% births
1890	#1056	5	▼ down 81
1880	#975	5	—

Name Popularity Timeline

Popularity Statistics for Gustavus

Best Year2023Rank #868

Peak Count1,332

Average Rank#2815

Current Trend↗Rising

Data Range1915 - 202311 years

The story of Gustavus

Gustavus has been a beloved American name for over 144 years, first appearing in Social Security records in 1880. With 266 total births recorded, Gustavus remains relatively uncommon. The name has grown more popular over time, rising from #975 in 1880 to #868 in 2023.

Names that peaked alongside Gustavus in 1882:

John William James George Charles

Gustavus by decade

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

Decade	Births
1880s	23
1890s	5
1910s	46
1920s	20
1930s	12
1940s	12
1950s	30
1960s ★	56
1970s	34
1980s	18
2000s	10

💎Gustavus has only 266 total recorded births since 1880 — rarer than 99% of names in our database.

What are good nicknames for Gustavus?

Common

GusGuAvus

Famous people named Gustavus

Gustavus (Roman senator or statesman)

Gustavus held this name during the height of Roman civilization, when Latin names spread across Europe.

Gustavus (historical Roman figure)

Gustavus carried this name during the Roman Empire, giving it the enduring weight of classical civilization.

Gustavus (Roman senator or statesman)

Gustavus held this name during the height of Roman civilization, when Latin names spread across Europe.

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Celebrity Names

What celebrities named their babies in 2025

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What names sound and feel like Gustavus?

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

Gustavs

Sanskrit · A Sanskrit name

Gustauo

Spain · A variation of

Gustau

Sanskrit · A Sanskrit name

Gurganus

Sanskrit · A Sanskrit name

Festatus

Latin · A Latin name

Lucanus

Latin · Light-bringer

Augustus

Latin · Great, venerable

Rudolphus

Latin · Famous wolf

Common questions about the name Gustavus

What does the name Gustavus mean?

Gustavus means "staff of the Goths" — a name rooted in Latin 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 Gustavus?

Gustavus is currently ranked #868 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 Gustavus?

Gustavus originates from Latin tradition. Latin 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 Gustavus?

Gustavus is a three-syllable name pronounced G AH1 S T AH0 V 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 Gustavus?

Gustavus pairs beautifully with sibling names that share a similar Latin heritage or complement its melodic and flowing sound. Names with a similar vibe create a cohesive sibling set without matching too closely.