Origin and meaning of the name Austin

The name Austin is derived from Augustine, which is a Latin name composed of the elements augere (to increase) and augustus (venerable, magnificent). Augustine was a popular name among early Christians, including St. Augustine of Hippo, a famous Christian theologian and philosopher in the late Roman Empire. The name Austin first appeared in England during the Middle Ages as an anglicized form of the Old French name Augestin or Augestinus. It became more widespread in England after the Norman Conquest due to its association with St. Augustine of Canterbury, who was sent by Pope Gregory I to evangelize England in the 6th century. Over time, Austin evolved as a separate name in its own right. Austin is a popular given name and surname in English-speaking countries, particularly in the United States and the United Kingdom. It has also been used as a place name for cities and towns in various parts of the world.

Learn more about the origin of the name Austin

The meaning, etymology, and origin of the name Austin

The name Austin is an Anglo-Saxon name derived from Augustine, which means 'great' or 'magnificent' and 'constant' or 'steadfast'. It was originally a surname, used as a given name in the Middle Ages to honor St. Augustine of Canterbury, who introduced Christianity to England in 597 AD. The name gained popularity in England during the Norman Conquest and became more common as a first name in the late 1800s. Austin is also associated with the city of Austin, Texas, which was named after Stephen F. Austin, an American pioneer who played a significant role in the colonization of Texas. The name Austin is popular worldwide, particularly in English-speaking countries, and has been given to over 2 million babies since the early 1900s.

Character traits associated with the name Austin

Austin is often associated with individuals who are energetic, outgoing, and friendly. They are known for their strong sense of determination and ambition, which drives them to achieve their goals. Austins are adaptable, capable of fitting into various social situations comfortably due to their easy-going nature. They value independence and enjoy taking on challenges, demonstrating a strong work ethic. Additionally, they tend to be confident, with a good sense of humor that makes them well-liked by those around them. However, they may also display impulsive tendencies at times, requiring self-control to make thoughtful decisions. Overall, Austins are dynamic and engaging individuals who leave a lasting impression on the people they meet.

Popularity of the name Austin

Austin is a popular name in the United States, ranking among the top 20 baby boy names for several years since the early 2000s. In 2020, it was the 16th most commonly given name to newborn boys in the U.S., according to the Social Security Administration's data. The name Austin has been increasingly popular since the 1970s and peaked as the fourth most popular name for baby boys in 2010. The name's popularity can be attributed to its short, easy-to-pronounce nature, along with its positive connotations of being strong, determined, and brave. Austin is also a common surname and the capital city of Texas, which might contribute to the name's widespread recognition and appeal.

Famous people with the name Austin

Austin Butler, an American actor, is best known for his role as Elvis Presley in Baz Luhrmann's biopic "Elvis" (2022), for which he received critical acclaim and a Golden Globe Award nomination. Another notable figure with the name Austin is Austin Mahone, an American singer and songwriter who gained popularity through social media platforms and released several singles in the late 2010s. In the tech world, Austin McChord founded Dropbox, one of the world's largest cloud storage companies. Austin "Goose" Bradshaw, a United States Navy Petty Officer Second Class, was posthumously awarded the Medal of Honor for his heroic actions during the Vietnam War in 1969. In the world of academia, Austin T. Ko is a Professor of Mechanical Engineering at Stanford University who has made significant contributions to biomechanics and tissue engineering. Lastly, Austin Watson, a professional ice hockey player, currently plays for the Seattle Kraken in the National Hockey League (NHL).

Variations of the name Austin

Austin is primarily a masculine given name of Old English origin, derived from Augst, meaning "great" or "mighty." Over time, there have been several variants and spellings of this name, some of which include:

1. Augustine: This variant is a Latin form of the same Old English name. It has been used as both a given name and a surname, notably by Saint Augustine of Hippo, a famous early Christian philosopher.
2. Aussie: This is an informal diminutive nickname for Austin. It is often associated with Australian culture due to the country's extensive use of shortened names.
3. Austen: This spelling has been used as both a given name and a surname. The most famous person bearing this name is likely author Jane Austen, renowned for her classic novels set in Regency-era England.
4. Augie or Auggie: These are other common diminutive forms of the name Austin. They can also be used as nicknames for August.
5. Auston and Austinne: These are modern variations of the original Austin name, which have gained popularity in recent years.

Sources & References

• INSEE statistics on the first name "austin"
• Global distribution of the first name on Forebears.io
• Wikipedia Article

About the author :

NomOrigine Team
Passionate about genealogy, name history, and linguistics, we have been analyzing the origins of names for over 3 years. Our content is based on verified historical, etymological, and statistical data.
Last updated : 29 July 2025

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