Augustus

1. Augustus name meaning and origin

The name Augustus derives from the Latin word "augere," meaning "to increase," ultimately reflecting the concept of dignity and grandeur. As an honorific title first bestowed upon Octavian by the Roman Senate in 27 BCE, Augustus denotes someone who is "revered," "magnificent," or "venerable."

The historical significance of Augustus is deeply rooted in Roman history, where it marked the transition from the Roman Republic to the Roman Empire. After the title was given to Octavian (who became known as Augustus Caesar), it established a tradition wherein subsequent Roman emperors adopted it as part of their imperial nomenclature. The name's association with power, grandeur, and regality ensured its continued usage throughout European history, particularly among nobility and royalty who sought to connect themselves symbolically with the glory of ancient Rome.

2. Augustus name popularity

Augustus is a venerable masculine name with ancient Roman roots, deriving from the title given to Rome's first emperor. Despite its distinguished history, contemporary popularity rankings for Augustus remain limited in both the United States and United Kingdom. While the name appears primarily as a male name, interestingly, there is some record of its rare use for females in the US.

This regal name carries significant historical weight and projects strength and dignity. Though not among today's trending choices, Augustus maintains a timeless appeal that occasionally attracts parents seeking a distinctive, classical option with imperial connections. The name offers versatile nickname possibilities including Gus, Auggie, or August, lending flexibility to this otherwise formal appellation.

3. Augustus in Popular Culture: Characters in Fiction

The name Augustus has been used in various forms of fiction, both in classic literature and present media. A list of some prominent characters bearing the name in fictional works is listed below.

Literature:

• Augustus Gloop

He is a greedy and gluttonous character from Roald Dahl's novel “Charlie and the Chocolate Factory”, known for his insatiable appetite.

• Augustus Snodgrass

He is portrayed as a young, eccentric poet and a founding member of the Pickwick Club, though he never actually writes any poetry in the novel “The Pickwick Papers”.

• Augustus "Gus" McCrae

A retired and loquacious Texas Ranger in Larry McMurtry's Pulitzer Prize-winning novel “Lonesome Dove”. He is a charismatic, philosophical, and witty former lawman.

• Augustus "Gus" Waters

A supportive and thoughtful character in John Green's young adult novel “The Fault in Our Stars”.

• August "Auggie" Pullman

He is the 10-year-old protagonist of R.J. Palacio's novel “Wonder”, who starts attending a private school, Beecher Prep, for the first time.

Films and Television:

• Augustus Landor

He is a retired detective in the gothic thriller “The Pale Blue Eye”, who is called to the United States Military Academy at West Point to investigate a series of gruesome murders.

• August "Evan Taylor" Taylor

The musical prodigy in the 2007 film “August Rush”. He runs away from an orphanage to New York City to find his birth parents, believing he can find them through his music.

• Augustus "Gus" Haynes

A principled and experienced journalist, he works his way up from the police and the a main character in “The Wire”.

• Augustus "Gus" Porter

A character from the animated series “The Owl House”. He is a student at the Hexside School of Magic and Demonics and a member of the Illusion Coven.

• Augustus "Gus" Sackey

He was an ambitious and highly educated graduate in the first two seasons of the HBO drama series “Industry”. He is played by actor David Jonsson.

4. Celebrities with the Name Augustus

Aside from fiction, the name Augustus has also been carried by real-life figures in entertainment, sports, and music. From actors to athletes, these celebrities have helped keep the name visible in popular culture.

Historical Figures:

• Augustus (Gaius Octavius)

The founder of the Roman Empire and its first Emperor, who ushered in the period known as the Pax Romana (Roman Peace).

• Augustus Pugin

Highly influential English architect, designer, and theorist who was the champion of the Gothic Revival style, known for his work on the Palace of Westminster.

• Augustus John

A prominent Welsh painter and draughtsman, renowned for his brilliant figure drawings and his vivid portraits of notable 20th-century figures.

Image source: Wikipedia

• Augustus Saint-Gaudens

Celebrated Irish-American sculptor of the Beaux-Arts generation, whose works include the Robert Gould Shaw Memorial in Boston.

• Augustus Tolton

He is the first African-American priest in the United States, born into slavery, and now a figure of veneration in the Catholic Church.

Image source: Wikipedia

• Augustus Pablo

A highly influential Jamaican reggae and dub musician known for popularizing the melodica instrument in reggae music.

Contemporary Celebrities:

• Augustus Prew

A British actor known for roles in films like About a Boy and TV series including “The Morning Show” and “The Lord of the Rings: The Rings of Power”.

• Augustus "Gus" Kenworthy

American-British freestyle skier and LGBTQ+ activist who won a silver medal at the 2014 Winter Olympics.

Celebrities Who Named Their Babies This Way:

• Billy Corgan

The Smashing Pumpkins frontman and his wife, Chloe Mendel, have a son named Augustus Juppiter Corgan. Augustus was born in November 2015.

• Walton Goggins

The actor known for “Justified” and “The Hateful Eight” named his son Augustus.

• Dominic Purcell

The actor known for “Prison Break” named his son Augustus.

5. Variations and nicknames of Augustus

The name Augustus, with its imperial Roman origins, has developed numerous variants across languages and cultures throughout history. In Latin, the original Augustus remains unchanged, though in Romance languages it transforms to Agosto in Italian, Agusto in Spanish, and Augusto in Portuguese. Other variations include Austin, August, Auguste, and Agustin. The feminine forms also show rich diversity, including Augusta, Augustine, Augustina. These variants maintain connections to the name's noble origins while adapting to regional phonetics and linguistic patterns.

Beyond formal variants, Augustus has produced a wealth of affectionate nicknames and diminutives used in daily life. The most common English nickname is Gus, a straightforward shortening that maintains the name's strength while adding approachability. Other English-speaking countries often use Auggie, Augie, and Aggie, which carries a friendlier, more casual tone. More creative nicknames include Goose, Aust, and the playful Gusty. Historical figures named Augustus have carried distinctive nicknames, such as Augustus Caesar being called 'Octavian' before taking his imperial name. In modern families, one might hear endearments like Augie-bear, Gussy, Gusty, or simply Tus.These nicknames represent the natural human tendency to personalize and soften formal names through affectionate shortening or modification.

6. Best name combinations with Augustus

7. Numerology of Augustus name

I'll analyze the name "Augustus" using Pythagorean numerology.

As a 3, Augustus carries the vibration of creativity, social connection, and communication. This indicates natural talents in teaching, public roles, or artistic endeavors. In careers, Augustus would excel in fields requiring imagination and social interaction, such as entertainment, teaching, or sales. In relationships, this number brings charm and optimism, though may struggle with avoiding the heavier aspects of emotional intimacy.

With a Soul Urge of 1, Augustus has an inner desire for independence, leadership, and self-reliance. This suggests a deep need to pioneer new paths and stand out as an individual. In relationships, Augustus seeks respect and may struggle with vulnerability, preferring to be seen as strong and capable. Career-wise, leadership roles or entrepreneurial ventures would be fulfilling.

With a Personality Number of 2, Augustus presents to others as diplomatic, cooperative, and empathetic. This outward demeanor is one of patience and harmony-seeking. In relationships, Augustus appears as a mediator and peacemaker. In professional settings, Augustus shows talents for teamwork and supporting others, excelling in partnerships and collaborative environments where attention to detail is valued.

Note: This numerology analysis is just for fun and entertainment purposes. It is not meant to be taken seriously or as a reflection of one’s true personality or destiny. No offense is intended.