What Does the Name August Mean?
August comes from the Latin verb augere, 'to increase' or 'to grow,' which gave rise to the honorific title Augustus, meaning 'great' or 'venerable.' The Roman Senate granted the title to Gaius Octavius, Rome's first emperor, and later renamed the month Sextilis in his honor — the origin of the calendar month August.
The Origin & History of August
As a given name, August has long been common in Germany and Scandinavia (Augustus, Augusto) and has been used in English since the 19th century, often for boys born in the month itself. Its use as a standalone first name accelerated in the US only in the last two decades.
Popularity in the United States
August reached an all-time-high rank of roughly #81 among US boys' names in 2025, part of a sharp rise that began after 2010 alongside other short, vintage imperial and month-inspired names.
Personality & Traits
August carries a stately, old-world dignity while staying warm and approachable, especially with the nickname Gus or Auggie softening its formality.
Famous People Named August
August Wilson was the Pulitzer Prize-winning American playwright behind The Piano Lesson and Fences. August Strindberg was the influential Swedish playwright and novelist.
Nicknames & Variations
Gus and Auggie are the two most common nicknames. Augustus and Augustine are the fuller classical forms, and August is also used, less commonly, as a girls' name.