"majestic, venerable"
Origin: Latin Augustus
Language: Latin
Austen
Pronunciation: [ AWST-ihn ]
Boy Name
#1,986 Most Popular
Hidden Gem
2 Syllables
Named for literature's most beloved chronicler of human nature
English
American
Literary
Classic
Sophisticated
Vintage
Meaning & Origin
"consecrated, sacred"
Origin: Latin Augustine
Language: English
The Story of Austen
Austen is a medieval English contracted form of Augustine, from the Latin Augustinus, itself derived from Augustus meaning majestic, venerable, or consecrated. The name is most celebrated through Jane Austen (1775-1817), the beloved English novelist whose works like Pride and Prejudice and Sense and Sensibility remain among the most widely read novels in the English language.
As a boy's name, Austen offers literary prestige and the sophistication of Jane Austen's legacy while remaining usable for males. It serves as an alternative to the more common Austin, with the distinctive -en spelling evoking the author's surname directly. Interest has grown steadily alongside the resurgence of Jane Austen's cultural popularity.
Jane Austen is a cultural icon in the English-speaking world, and her surname as a given name carries immediate literary prestige. In the city of Austin, Texas, the name also carries regional pride. For literary parents, Austen signals reverence for English literature's most celebrated female author.
Fun Facts
- Jane Austen's face appears on the British £10 note
- Jane Austen completed six major novels despite never marrying and living a relatively quiet life
- Austin, Texas is named after Stephen F. Austin, not Jane Austen, though the spelling connection delights literature lovers
Austen in Other Languages
Latin
Augustinus
French
Augustin
German
Augustin
English
Austin
Spanish
Agustín
Famous People Named Austen
J
Jane Austen
Writer
1775
English novelist who wrote Pride and Prejudice, Sense and Sensibility, and Emma — among the most beloved novels in the E...
English novelist who wrote Pride and Prejudice, Sense and Sensibility, and Emma — among the most beloved novels in the English language
S
Saint Augustine of Hippo
Religious
354
Influential Christian theologian and philosopher, one of the most important figures in Western Christianity
Quick Facts
- Gender
- Boy
- Syllables
- 2
- Popularity Rank
- #1,986
- Total SSA Count
- 78
- Cultural Origins
- English American
- Pronunciation
- Easy
- Formality
- Moderate
- Cross-Cultural Ease
- High
Alternative Spellings
Common Nicknames
Aus
Pairs Well With
Austen James
Austen Clark
Austen Reed
Austen Henry
Austen Thomas
Austen Gray
Austen Elliot
Sibling Names
Also a Girl Name
Austen is also used as a girl name, ranked #2988.
View Austen as a girl name →Similar Names
Playground Safety
Kid-Friendly
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Frequently Asked Questions About Austen
What does the name Austen mean?
"majestic, venerable" (from Latin Augustus). "consecrated, sacred" (from Latin Augustine). Austen is a medieval English contracted form of Augustine, from the Latin Augustinus, itself derived from Augustus meaning majestic, venerable, or consecrated. The name is most celebrated through Jane Austen (1775-1817), the beloved English novelist whose works like Pride and Prejudice and Sense and Sensibility remain among the most widely read novels in the English language.
What is the origin of the name Austen?
Austen has Latin Augustus, Latin Augustine, English, and American origins. In Latin Augustus, it means "majestic, venerable". In Latin Augustine, it means "consecrated, sacred".
Is Austen a boy or girl name?
Austen is used as both a boy and girl name. As a boy name, it is ranked #1986. As a girl name, it is ranked #2988. Austen is more commonly used as a boy name.
How do you pronounce Austen?
Austen is pronounced AWST-ihn.
How popular is the name Austen?
Austen is currently ranked #1986 in popularity for boy names in the United States.
What are common nicknames for Austen?
Common nicknames for Austen include Aus.
What are good middle names for Austen?
Popular middle name pairings include Austen James, Austen Clark, Austen Reed, Austen Henry, Austen Thomas, Austen Gray, and Austen Elliot.
What are good sibling names for Austen?
Names that pair well with Austen as siblings include Emerson, Bronte, Tennyson, Harper, Elliot, Marlowe, and Sidney.
How many syllables does Austen have?
Austen has 2 syllables, making it easy to say and remember.
Is Austen a common or rare name?
Austen is an uncommon name, ranked #1986 in the US. Its rarity gives it a distinctive, memorable quality.
About the Name Austen
Austen is a boy name with English and American origins . The name means "majestic, venerable" in Latin Augustus .
Is Austen a boy or girl name? Austen is used as both a boy and girl name. As a boy name, it ranks #1,986 in popularity. As a girl name, it ranks #2,988. Austen is more commonly used as a boy name.
Austen is currently ranked #1,986 in popularity for boy names in the United States.
The name Austen has 2 syllables and is pronounced AWST-ihn, making it easy to pronounce and remember.
Common nicknames for Austen include Aus. These shorter forms provide casual alternatives while keeping the elegance of the full name.
Alternative spellings of Austen include Austin, Austyn, Auston . Each spelling variation gives the name a slightly different character while preserving its sound and meaning.