"the fall season"
Autumn
Pronunciation: [ AWT-uhm ]
Warm as falling leaves, rich as the harvest
Meaning & Origin
"harvest time"
"the fall season; harvest time"
"time of change"
The Story of Autumn
Autumn comes from the Latin 'autumnus,' which is thought to derive from Etruscan. The Romans used 'autumnus' to describe the harvest season — a time of abundance, change, and transition. As a given name, Autumn emerged in the 20th century as part of the broader nature-naming movement in English-speaking countries, reflecting the season's warm colors and contemplative mood.
Autumn entered the US Top 100 in the late 1990s and has remained popular since. It gained cultural visibility through characters in TV shows like Autumn in Gossip Girl. The name appeals to parents who want a nature name that feels grounded and specific rather than whimsical.
Autumn evokes a uniquely American and northern European aesthetic — harvest festivals, falling leaves, apple orchards, and the particular quality of light in October. As a name, it carries warmth and a sense of abundance without being overtly religious or culturally specific.
Fun Facts
- The word 'autumn' comes from the Etruscan language via Latin — one of the few surviving Etruscan loan words in English
- In American English, 'fall' is more common than 'autumn' for the season, making the name feel slightly literary
- Autumn is almost exclusively given to girls born in the fall months in the United States
Autumn in Other Languages
Famous People Named Autumn
Autumn Reeser
Actor
1980
American actress known for her roles in The O.C. and Entourage
Autumn Phillips
Other
1978
British socialite and former member of the British royal family, granddaughter of Queen Elizabeth II through Peter Phill...
British socialite and former member of the British royal family, granddaughter of Queen Elizabeth II through Peter Phillips
Quick Facts
- Gender
- Girl
- Syllables
- 2
- Popularity Rank
- #79
- Total SSA Count
- 3,030
- Cultural Origins
- English American
- Pronunciation
- Easy
- Formality
- Moderate
- Cross-Cultural Ease
- Moderate
Common Nicknames
Pairs Well With
Sibling Names
Also a Boy Name
Autumn is also used as a boy name, ranked #16427.
View Autumn as a boy name →Similar Names
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Frequently Asked Questions About Autumn
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About the Name Autumn
Autumn is a girl name with English and American origins . The name means "the fall season" in Latin (autumnus) .
Is Autumn a boy or girl name? Autumn is used as both a girl and boy name. As a girl name, it ranks #79 in popularity. As a boy name, it ranks #16,427. Autumn is more commonly used as a girl name.
Autumn is currently ranked #79 in popularity for girl names in the United States.
The name Autumn has 2 syllables and is pronounced AWT-uhm, making it easy to pronounce and remember.
Common nicknames for Autumn include Autie. These shorter forms provide casual alternatives while keeping the elegance of the full name.