"great, magnificent"
Origin: Latin
Language: Latin
Austen
Pronunciation: [ AWST-ihn ]
Girl Name
#2,988 Most Popular
Hidden Gem
2 Syllables
A literary tribute to Jane Austen, the queen of English fiction
English
American
Literary
Sophisticated
Vintage
Elegant
Strong
Meaning & Origin
"venerable, august"
Origin: Latin (Augustinus)
Language: Latin
The Story of Austen
Austen is an English surname variant of Austin, which derives from the Latin 'Augustinus' — a diminutive of 'Augustus,' meaning great, venerable, or magnificent. The surname form Austen is most famously borne by Jane Austen (1775-1817), the beloved English novelist whose works are considered masterpieces of English literature. As a given name for girls, Austen is a distinctly modern development, part of the literary surname trend.
Austen as a girl's name began gaining traction in the 2010s, largely driven by the enduring cultural prestige of Jane Austen. The name appeals to literary-minded parents who love both the author and the elegant, gender-neutral sound. It has appeared in the US top 1000 baby names and continues to rise as Jane Austen's cultural influence grows through adaptations and academic study.
Jane Austen (1775-1817) is considered one of the greatest novelists in the English language. Her novels — including Pride and Prejudice, Sense and Sensibility, and Emma — have never been out of print and have sold tens of millions of copies. Naming a child Austen is a direct tribute to one of English literature's supreme voices.
Fun Facts
- Jane Austen's face appears on the British £10 note, issued in 2017 — making her the first woman other than the Queen to appear on a UK banknote
- Pride and Prejudice (1813) has never been out of print in its 200+ year history and has sold an estimated 20 million copies worldwide
Austen in Other Languages
Latin
Augustinus
French
Augustin
English
Austen/Austin
Spanish
Agustín
Famous People Named Austen
A
Austin Butler
Actor
1991
American actor who received an Academy Award nomination for his portrayal of Elvis Presley in 'Elvis' (2022)
J
Jane Austen
Writer
1775
English novelist considered one of the greatest in the English language, author of Pride and Prejudice, Sense and Sensib...
English novelist considered one of the greatest in the English language, author of Pride and Prejudice, Sense and Sensibility, and Emma
Quick Facts
- Gender
- Girl
- Syllables
- 2
- Popularity Rank
- #2,988
- Total SSA Count
- 55
- Cultural Origins
- English American
- Pronunciation
- Easy
- Formality
- Moderate
- Cross-Cultural Ease
- High
Alternative Spellings
Common Nicknames
Austi
Aus
Pairs Well With
Austen Claire
Austen Rose
Austen Grace
Austen Jane
Austen Wren
Austen Leigh
Sibling Names
Also a Boy Name
Austen is also used as a boy name, ranked #1986.
View Austen as a boy name →Similar Names
Playground Safety
Kid-Friendly
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Frequently Asked Questions About Austen
What does the name Austen mean?
"great, magnificent" (from Latin). "venerable, august" (from Latin (Augustinus)). Austen is an English surname variant of Austin, which derives from the Latin 'Augustinus' — a diminutive of 'Augustus,' meaning great, venerable, or magnificent. The surname form Austen is most famously borne by Jane Austen (1775-1817), the beloved English novelist whose works are considered masterpieces of English literature. As a given name for girls, Austen is a distinctly modern development, part of the literary surname trend.
What is the origin of the name Austen?
Austen has Latin, Latin (Augustinus), English, and American origins. In Latin, it means "great, magnificent". In Latin (Augustinus), it means "venerable, august".
Is Austen a boy or girl name?
Austen is used as both a girl and boy name. As a girl name, it is ranked #2988. As a boy name, it is ranked #1986. 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 #2988 in popularity for girl names in the United States.
What are common nicknames for Austen?
Common nicknames for Austen include Austi and Aus.
What are good middle names for Austen?
Popular middle name pairings include Austen Claire, Austen Rose, Austen Grace, Austen Jane, Austen Wren, and Austen Leigh.
What are good sibling names for Austen?
Names that pair well with Austen as siblings include Bronte, Eliot, Emerson, Hadley, Keats, and Byron.
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 #2988 in the US. Its rarity gives it a distinctive, memorable quality.
About the Name Austen
Austen is a girl name with English and American origins . The name means "great, magnificent" in Latin .
Is Austen a boy or girl name? Austen is used as both a girl and boy name. As a girl name, it ranks #2,988 in popularity. As a boy name, it ranks #1,986. Austen is more commonly used as a boy name.
Austen is currently ranked #2,988 in popularity for girl 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 Austi and Aus. These shorter forms provide casual alternatives while keeping the elegance of the full name.
Alternative spellings of Austen include Austyn, Austin . Each spelling variation gives the name a slightly different character while preserving its sound and meaning.