"great, venerable"
Origin: Latin (Augustus)
Language: English
Gus
Pronunciation: [ g-UHS ]
Does Gus flow with your last name?
A one-syllable classic with a big personality
English
American
Scottish
Australian
Classic
Playful
Vintage
Bold
Strong
Reviewed by the NamingEverything Editorial Team · Updated
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Names Like Gus
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Meaning & Origin
"staff of the Goths"
Origin: Germanic (Gustav)
Language: English
"one strength"
Origin: Scottish Gaelic (Angus)
Language: English
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The Story of Gus
Gus is most commonly a nickname for Augustus (from Latin, meaning 'great, venerable, consecrated') or Gustave/Gustav (from Germanic, meaning 'staff of the Goths'). It also serves as a short form of the Scottish Angus, from Gaelic Aonghus meaning 'one strength.' Today Gus is increasingly given as a standalone name, beloved for its punchy one-syllable energy and old-fashioned charm.
Gus experienced a revival in the 2010s as part of the broader trend reclaiming grandpa names — names like Mabel, Hazel, and Archie for girls and Gus, Arlo, and Otto for boys. The character of Gus Pike from 'Road to Avonlea' and Augustus 'Gus' Waters from John Green's 'The Fault in Our Stars' both contributed to the name's renewed appeal.
In American history, Gus was a common workingman's name in the 19th and early 20th centuries, associated with straightforwardness and reliability. It has a distinctly American democratic feel, equally at home on a farm or in a city.
Historical Record
Gus first appeared in US Social Security records in 1950.
Over 8,356 babies have been named Gus in the United States since SSA records began.
Today, Gus is past its peak , currently ranked #1,216 for boy names in the US .
Fun Facts
- Augustus (the source of Gus) was the title given to Roman emperor Octavian, the first Roman emperor
- The month of August is named after Augustus Caesar
- Augustus Waters, protagonist of The Fault in Our Stars, helped popularize the full name Augustus while Gus rode along
Gus in Other Languages
Latin
Augustus
French
Gustave
German
Gustav
Spanish
Augusto
Swedish
Gustav
Popularity Over Time
#1,216
Current Rank
Rising
Trend
Peaked 1954
Based on SSA data 1880–present
Year-by-year popularity data will be available soon.
Famous People Named Gus
G
Gus Van Sant
Artist
1952
American film director known for Good Will Hunting and Milk
A
Augustus 'Gus' Waters Fictional
Other
Fictional protagonist of John Green's bestselling novel The Fault in Our Stars
G
Gus Pike Fictional
Other
Fictional character from the Canadian TV series Road to Avonlea
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Compare Gus with:
Quick Facts
- Gender
- Boy
- Syllables
- 1
- Popularity Rank
- #1,216
- Total SSA Count
- 166
- Cultural Origins
- English American Scottish Australian
- Pronunciation
- Easy
- Formality
- Casual
- Cross-Cultural Ease
- High
Alternative Spellings
Middle Name Ideas
Suggested pairings based on syllable flow and style
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Timeless choice, English heritage match, quick 1-1 syllable combo
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Classic pairing, smooth 1-2 syllable flow
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Timeless choice, English heritage match, quick 1-1 syllable combo
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Classic pairing, smooth 1-2 syllable flow
-
Timeless choice, English heritage match, quick 1-1 syllable combo
-
Timeless choice, English heritage match, quick 1-1 syllable combo
-
Classic pairing, smooth 1-2 syllable flow
-
Classic pairing, smooth 1-2 syllable flow
-
Classic pairing, smooth 1-2 syllable flow
-
Classic pairing, smooth 1-2 syllable flow
Middle Names
Middle Names for Gus
6 name pairings with syllable flow tips
Sibling Names
Sibling Match
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Also a Girl Name
Gus is also used as a girl name, ranked #67387.
View Gus as a girl name →Similar Names
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Same Origin Names (English)
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Old High German Leonhard origin
"strong as a lion"
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Greek origin
"he who causes distress"
#1,223 in US
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Scottish Gaelic origin
"crooked nose (Cameron root)"
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Frequently Asked Questions About Gus
What does the name Gus mean?
"great, venerable" (from Latin (Augustus)). "staff of the Goths" (from Germanic (Gustav)). "one strength" (from Scottish Gaelic (Angus)). Gus is most commonly a nickname for Augustus (from Latin, meaning 'great, venerable, consecrated') or Gustave/Gustav (from Germanic, meaning 'staff of the Goths'). It also serves as a short form of the Scottish Angus, from Gaelic Aonghus meaning 'one strength.' Today Gus is increasingly given as a standalone name, beloved for its punchy one-syllable energy and old-fashioned charm.
What is the origin of the name Gus?
Gus has Latin (Augustus), Germanic (Gustav), Scottish Gaelic (Angus), English, American, Scottish, and Australian origins. In Latin (Augustus), it means "great, venerable". In Germanic (Gustav), it means "staff of the Goths". In Scottish Gaelic (Angus), it means "one strength".
Is Gus a boy or girl name?
Gus is used as both a boy and girl name. As a boy name, it is ranked #1216. As a girl name, it is ranked #67387. Gus is more commonly used as a boy name.
How do you pronounce Gus?
Gus is pronounced g-UHS.
How popular is the name Gus?
Gus is currently ranked #1216 in popularity for boy names in the United States.
What are good middle names for Gus?
Popular middle name pairings include Gus William, Gus Henry, Gus Frederick, Gus James, Gus Elliott, and Gus Alexander.
What are good sibling names for Gus?
Names that pair well with Gus as siblings include Harriet, Mabel, Theodore, Olive, Archie, and Pearl.
How many syllables does Gus have?
Gus has 1 syllable, making it easy to say and remember.
Is Gus a common or rare name?
Gus is an uncommon name, ranked #1216 in the US. Its rarity gives it a distinctive, memorable quality.
What boy names are similar to Gus?
About the Name Gus
Gus is a boy name with English, American, Scottish, and Australian origins . The name means "great, venerable" in Latin (Augustus) .
Is Gus a boy or girl name? Gus is used as both a boy and girl name. As a boy name, it ranks #1,216 in popularity. As a girl name, it ranks #67,387. Gus is more commonly used as a boy name.
Gus is currently ranked #1,216 in popularity for boy names in the United States.
The name Gus has 1 syllable and is pronounced g-UHS, making it easy to pronounce and remember.
Alternative spellings of Gus include Gustavo, Gustav . Each spelling variation gives the name a slightly different character while preserving its sound and meaning.
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Sources
- U.S. Social Security Administration — National Baby Names Data (popularity rankings and historical trends)
- Behind the Name (etymology and meaning research)
- NamingEverything editorial research and analysis