Gustaw

“majestic, great — from Gustaw”
Polish origin · Boy name
♂ 97% boys♀ 3% girls
#1543US 2023
10Births / yr
→Stable
Top 1.1%Percentile
How to pronounce Gustaw
goo-staf
/goo-staf/ · · 2 syllables
“majestic, great — from Gustaw”
Polish origin · Boy name

What does Gustaw mean and where does it come from?

Gustaw is a Polish variant of the name Gustav, derived from the Old Norse elements 'gautr' (Goth) and 'stafr' (staff).

Cultural significance
The name is commonly used in Poland and has historical significance in various European cultures, especially in royal contexts.
Peak popularity
Reached #1543 in 2015 — currently #1543 in the US.
🌿
Related Reading
Polish-origin baby names with timeless appeal
Browse names →

How else can you spell Gustaw?

Same sound, different look — useful if you want something slightly more distinctive

What middle names flow best with Gustaw?

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

Gustaw Jack
One syllable · timeless choice
Gustaw John
One syllable · timeless choice
Gustaw Luke
One syllable · timeless choice
Gustaw Miles
One syllable · vintage charm
Gustaw Beau
One syllable · on the rise
Gustaw Brooks
One syllable · timeless choice
👶
Middle Names
The best middle names for Gustaw
Browse ideas →

How popular is Gustaw right now?

Holding steady — currently #1543 in the US out of 135.5k tracked names

US Trend 2019–2023#1543 · Top 1.1%
2019
2020
2021
2022
2023
YearUS RankBirthsvs Prior Year
2023#154310stable
2022#154310stable
2021#154310stable
2020#154310stable
2019#154310—
💎Gustaw is exceptionally rare — it does not appear in US Social Security records, meaning fewer than 5 babies per year have received this name.

What are good nicknames for Gustaw?

DUTCH
Guus
FINNISH
Kusti
DANISH
Gustav
MEDIEVAL SLAVIC
Gostislav

Famous people named Gustaw

GH
Gustaw Herling-Grudziński
A Polish writer and essayist known for his works on the human condition and totalitarianism.
GW
Gustaw W. K. Kossakowski
A Polish painter and illustrator active in the early 20th century.
👑
Celebrity Names
What celebrities named their babies in 2025
Explore →

Common questions about the name Gustaw

What does the name Gustaw mean?
Gustaw means "majestic, great — from Gustaw" — a name rooted in Polish 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 Gustaw?
Gustaw is currently a distinctive and less common name as a baby name in the US and is holding steady in popularity, a reliable classic that parents consistently choose.
What is the cultural origin of Gustaw?
Gustaw originates from Polish tradition. Polish names tend to carry strong cultural heritage and have spread across the world through migration, literature, and religion over centuries.
Is Gustaw a common or rare name?
Gustaw is a distinctive choice that balances familiarity with individuality. It strikes a balance between standing out and fitting in.
Is Gustaw more of a girl or boy name?
Gustaw is primarily used as a boy name, giving it a clear, timeless character while remaining accessible to modern families.