What does Octavia mean and where does it come from?
The name Octavia is derived from the Latin word 'octavus', meaning 'eighth'. It was traditionally given to the eighth child in a family. The name has historical significance, especially in Ancient Rome, where Octavia Minor was the sister of the first Roman Emperor Augustus. The name has been used in
Cultural significance
Octavia has been a cherished name across cultures, particularly in Latin-speaking communities, where it reflects values of eighth.
Peak popularity
Reached #306 in 1880 — currently #279 in the US.
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Related Reading
Latin-origin baby names with timeless appeal
Browse names →What middle names flow best with Octavia?
Octavia works best with short, strong middle names — one or two syllables keep the full name from becoming a mouthful
Octavia Grace
Most popular combo · classic
Octavia Rose
Floral · soft ending
Octavia Mae
Sweet · timeless
Octavia Claire
French influence · crisp
Octavia Jane
Literary · strong
Octavia Skye
Modern · airy feel
How popular is Octavia right now?
Declining — down 32 spots — currently #279 in the US out of 135.5k tracked names
| Year | US Rank | Births | vs Prior Year |
|---|
| 2023 | #279 | 1,129 | ▼ down 32 · -9% births |
| 2022 | #247 | 1,237 | ▲ up 1 |
| 2021 | #248 | 1,238 | ▲ up 87 · +35% births |
| 2020 | #335 | 917 | ▲ up 1024 · +427% births |
| 2015 | #1359 | 174 | ▲ up 806 · +93% births |
| 2010 | #2165 | 90 | ▼ down 822 · -44% births |
| 2005 | #1343 | 162 | ▼ down 282 · -17% births |
| 2000 | #1061 | 195 | ▼ down 304 · -28% births |
| 1995 | #757 | 269 | ▼ down 140 · -26% births |
| 1990 | #617 | 365 | ▲ up 1 · +19% births |
| 1985 | #618 | 306 | ▲ up 213 · +63% births |
| 1980 | #831 | 188 | ▼ down 90 · -3% births |
| 1975 | #741 | 194 | ▲ up 322 · +69% births |
| 1970 | #1063 | 115 | ▲ up 115 · +39% births |
| 1965 | #1178 | 83 | — |
The story of Octavia
Octavia has been a beloved American name for over 144 years, first appearing in Social Security records in 1880. A total of 18,416 babies have received this name. The name has grown more popular over time, rising from #306 in 1880 to #279 in 2023. Octavia is used for both genders: 99% female and 1% male.
Names that peaked alongside Octavia in 1880:
Octavia by decade
Octavia peaked in the 1880s. See all 1880s names →
| Decade | Births | |
|---|
| 1880s | 289 | |
| 1890s | 404 | |
| 1900s | 491 | |
| 1910s | 802 | |
| 1920s | 853 | |
| 1930s | 524 | |
| 1940s | 421 | |
| 1950s | 665 | |
| 1960s | 848 | |
| 1970s | 1,671 | |
| 1980s ★ | 3,118 | |
| 1990s | 3,028 | |
| 2000s | 1,489 | |
| 2010s | 2,896 | |
| 2020s | 917 | |
What are good nicknames for Octavia?
Famous people named Octavia
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Octavia (Roman senator or statesman)
Octavia 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 2024
Explore →What names sound and feel like Octavia?
Based on sound, origin, and style — parents who love Octavia also consider these
How is Octavia written in other languages?
Gender variants of Octavia
Common questions about the name Octavia
What does the name Octavia mean?
Octavia means "eighth" — 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 Octavia?
Octavia is currently ranked #279 in the United States as a baby name in the US and is rapidly gaining popularity — searches for Octavia have increased significantly in recent years.
What is the cultural origin of Octavia?
Octavia 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 Octavia?
Octavia is a four-syllable name pronounced AA0 K T EY1 V IY0 AH0. 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 Octavia?
Octavia 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.