Choosing a baby name is a little like picking a song: you want the meaning to feel right, the sound to sit nicely on the tongue, and the overall vibe to match your family’s style. Some parents start with a story or a value, others with a certain “feel” they can’t quite explain.
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Name | August |
| Pronunciation (simple) | AW-gust |
| Gender usage | Traditionally masculine; sometimes used as unisex |
| Language / origin | Latin |
| Core meaning | Venerable, majestic, revered |
| Related roots | Latin augustus; linked to the idea of “increasing” or “enhancing” |
| Common nicknames | Auggie, Gus |
| Variations | Augustus, Augusta, Auguste, Augusto |
Meaning matters because it’s the first gift a child receives in words. A name can carry a quiet message: strength, warmth, steadiness, hope. Even if a child grows into their own interpretation, many families like knowing the name started with intention.
Sound matters too. August is short, clear, and familiar in English, which can make it feel easy to live with day to day. At the same time, it has a stately tone that stands out without being complicated.
And then there’s the “vibe.” August often feels calm and confident, with a soft edge. It’s the kind of name that can fit a baby, a teenager, and an adult without needing to be “grown into.”
Meaning of the Name August
August comes from the Latin word augustus, commonly understood as “venerable,” “majestic,” or “revered.” In everyday terms, it points to dignity and respect rather than flashiness. The meaning tends to feel steady, almost ceremonial, but still approachable.
Depending on context, the meaning can be understood in a few closely related shades:
- Revered: worthy of honor or deep respect
- Majestic: dignified, elevated, and impressive in a quiet way
- Venerable: respected for character, wisdom, or presence
In English-speaking places, August also carries an everyday association with the month of August, which can add a seasonal, sunny, late-summer feel for some families. That’s more of a cultural association than a literal definition, but it often shapes how the name “lands.”
Origin of the Name August
August has roots in Latin. The name connects to augustus, a word used as an honorific meaning “venerable” or “revered.” Historically, it became strongly tied to Roman public life because “Augustus” was a title used by Roman emperors, especially the first emperor, Augustus.
Over time, August developed along a few paths:
- From title to personal name: honorific usage encouraged it as a given name in different eras
- From Latin into European languages: forms like August, Auguste, and Augusto appeared across regions
- From history into modern naming: the name kept its dignified feel while becoming more casual in everyday use
Because it traveled widely through Europe, August feels at home in many languages. It can read as classic, literary, or quietly bold, depending on where you hear it.
Is August a Boy’s Name, a Girl’s Name, or Unisex?
August is traditionally a boy’s name in many cultures, especially across Europe and in English-speaking countries. It has a long record of masculine use, helped by historical forms like Augustus.
In modern naming, August can also be used as unisex, particularly by families who like strong, surname-style, or season-linked names. Even when used for girls, it usually keeps the same spelling.
If a family wants a clearly gendered variant, these are the most common directions people take:
- More masculine-coded forms: Augustus
- More feminine-coded forms: Augusta
- International form choices: Auguste (often French), Augusto (often Romance-language contexts)
How to Pronounce August
In English, August is commonly pronounced AW-gust, like the month. The first syllable is open and rounded, and the second syllable is short and crisp.
- Simple breakdown: AW-gust
- Tip: If you can say “August” for the calendar, you can say the name.
Popularity of the Name August
August is widely recognizable in English because it matches the month name, which gives it instant familiarity. As a baby name, it often appeals to parents who want something classic but not overused, with a clean sound and a strong meaning.
Popularity can vary a lot by country and even by region. If you’re curious about how often it’s used where you live, official birth registry data (or national statistics sites) are the best place to check, since trends change from year to year.
Nicknames and Variations for August
August is already short, but many families still enjoy a nickname for everyday warmth. Variations are also common across languages, so the name can adapt nicely in multilingual settings.
Nicknames
- Auggie
- Gus
- Aug
- Augie
International Variations / Alternate Spellings
- Augustus
- Augusta
- Auguste
- Augustin
- Augustine
- Augusto
Middle Name Ideas for August
Classic & Timeless Middle Names
- August James
- August Alexander
- August Henry
- August William
- August Thomas
- August Charles
- August Edward
- August Michael
- August Daniel
Modern & Trendy Middle Names
- August Grey
- August River
- August Leo
- August Miles
- August Finn
- August Jude
- August Kai
- August Rowan
- August Atlas
Soft & Gentle Middle Names
- August Eli
- August Noah
- August Oliver
- August Emmett
- August Silas
- August Theo
- August Julian
- August Nathaniel
- August Samuel
Sibling Name Ideas for August
Brother Names that Pair with August
- August & Oliver
- August & Henry
- August & Theodore
- August & Leo
- August & Miles
- August & Felix
- August & Elias
- August & Sebastian
- August & Jasper
- August & Samuel
Sister Names that Pair with August
- August & Clara
- August & Eloise
- August & Nora
- August & Violet
- August & Hazel
- August & Ivy
- August & Amelia
- August & Audrey
- August & Stella
- August & Celia
Is August the Right Name for Your Baby?
If you want a name that sounds familiar but still feels distinctive, August is an easy one to love. It’s straightforward to spell, pleasant to say, and strong without being harsh.
Meaning-wise, it carries a sense of respect and quiet confidence. For many families, that combination feels like a warm wish: a child who grows with dignity, kindness, and a steady sense of self.
FAQ
Does August have more than one meaning?
Its core meaning comes from Latin and centers on ideas like “venerable” and “revered.” Beyond that, some people also connect August to the month, which adds a seasonal association rather than a separate dictionary meaning.
How do you verify name meanings?
The most reliable method is to trace the name back to its original language and documented usage. Historical dictionaries, etymology references, and records of how the name appears in older texts help confirm whether a meaning is truly rooted in language history or is a modern guess.
Is August easy to pronounce in English?
For most English speakers, yes. It’s pronounced like the month (AW-gust), and it follows familiar English sound patterns, which helps it feel intuitive.
What are the closest names to August?
Names with a similar sound, style, or root include Augustus, Augusta, Auguste, Augustine, and Augustin. If you like the feel of August but want a different direction, Gus can work as a standalone nickname-style option in some families.
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