"consecrated, honored"
Origin: Latin
Language: Latin
August
Pronunciation: [ AHG-uhst ]
Girl Name
#910 Most Popular
Rising
2 Syllables
A majestic Roman name meaning magnificent, now rising for girls
American
German
Scandinavian
British
Vintage
Strong
Elegant
Bold
Sophisticated
Meaning & Origin
The Story of August
August comes from the Latin Augustus, meaning great, magnificent, or venerable. It was the title given to Gaius Octavius, the first Roman Emperor, by the Senate in 27 BCE, and the month of August was renamed in his honor. As a given name, August was common in Germany and Scandinavia for centuries before becoming fashionable in English-speaking countries. Using August as a girl's name is part of the modern trend of giving traditionally male names to girls, adding a commanding, gender-bending quality.
August for girls began rising in the 2010s, driven by the appeal of vintage Latin names and the trend of gender-neutral or traditionally male names for girls. Celebrities including Garth Brooks and Dave Matthews have daughters named August, boosting visibility.
In Roman history, Augustus was one of the most powerful and successful emperors, bringing 200 years of relative peace known as the Pax Romana. The name carries connotations of imperial grandeur that modern parents find both distinctive and aspirational.
Fun Facts
- The month of August was renamed in honor of Emperor Augustus Caesar in 8 BCE, previously called Sextilis (sixth month)
- August is one of a growing group of traditionally male names now used for girls, alongside names like James, Elliott, and Rowan
August in Other Languages
Latin
Augusta
French
Auguste
German
Auguste
Spanish
Augusta
Swedish
Agusta
Famous People Named August
A
August Wilson
Writer
1945
Pulitzer Prize-winning American playwright known for his Pittsburgh Cycle of plays depicting African American life
A
August (character in Wonder) Fictional
Other
Auggie Pullman, the protagonist of R.J. Palacio's novel Wonder, a boy with facial differences navigating middle school
Quick Facts
- Gender
- Girl
- Syllables
- 2
- Popularity Rank
- #910
- Total SSA Count
- 290
- Cultural Origins
- American German Scandinavian British
- Pronunciation
- Easy
- Formality
- Moderate
- Cross-Cultural Ease
- High
Alternative Spellings
Common Nicknames
Gus
Augie
Auggie
Pairs Well With
August Rose
August Violet
August Claire
August Mae
August Fern
August Wren
August Jane
Sibling Names
Also a Boy Name
August is also used as a boy name, ranked #88.
View August as a boy name →Similar Names
Playground Safety
Kid-Friendly
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Frequently Asked Questions About August
What does the name August mean?
"consecrated, honored" (from Latin). August comes from the Latin Augustus, meaning great, magnificent, or venerable. It was the title given to Gaius Octavius, the first Roman Emperor, by the Senate in 27 BCE, and the month of August was renamed in his honor. As a given name, August was common in Germany and Scandinavia for centuries before becoming fashionable in English-speaking countries. Using August as a girl's name is part of the modern trend of giving traditionally male names to girls, adding a commanding, gender-bending quality.
What is the origin of the name August?
August has Latin, American, German, Scandinavian, and British origins. In Latin, it means "consecrated, honored".
Is August a boy or girl name?
August is used as both a girl and boy name. As a girl name, it is ranked #910. As a boy name, it is ranked #88. August is more commonly used as a boy name.
How do you pronounce August?
August is pronounced AHG-uhst.
How popular is the name August?
August is currently ranked #910 in popularity for girl names in the United States.
What are common nicknames for August?
Common nicknames for August include Gus, Augie, and Auggie.
What are good middle names for August?
Popular middle name pairings include August Rose, August Violet, August Claire, August Mae, August Fern, August Wren, and August Jane.
What are good sibling names for August?
Names that pair well with August as siblings include Violet, Iris, Clementine, Cassius, Julius, Felix, and Octavia.
How many syllables does August have?
August has 2 syllables, making it easy to say and remember.
Is August a common or rare name?
August is moderately common, ranked #910 for girls in the US. You will encounter it, but it stands out.
About the Name August
August is a girl name with American, German, Scandinavian, and British origins . The name means "consecrated, honored" in Latin .
Is August a boy or girl name? August is used as both a girl and boy name. As a girl name, it ranks #910 in popularity. As a boy name, it ranks #88. August is more commonly used as a boy name.
August is currently ranked #910 in popularity for girl names in the United States.
The name August has 2 syllables and is pronounced AHG-uhst, making it easy to pronounce and remember.
Common nicknames for August include Gus, Augie, and Auggie. These shorter forms provide casual alternatives while keeping the elegance of the full name.
Alternative spellings of August include Augusta, Augustine . Each spelling variation gives the name a slightly different character while preserving its sound and meaning.