Last Name Augustus

Learn more about the origin of the last name Augustus

The meaning and origin of the last name Augustus

The surname Augustus is of ancient Roman origin and has its roots in the Latin name Augustus, meaning "exalted" or "venerable." The name was originally a title bestowed upon Roman emperors, most famously associated with the first emperor of Rome, Augustus Caesar. As a surname, Augustus often signifies a family's connection to individuals who held positions of power or high social status in Roman society.

Over time, the name Augustus became a hereditary surname, passed down through generations. Families bearing this surname may have had ancestors who served important roles in the Roman government, military, or other influential positions. As the Roman Empire expanded, the surname Augustus spread throughout the domains under Roman rule as conquered peoples adopted Roman naming conventions.

Today, individuals with the surname Augustus can be found across the globe, often serving as a reminder of their ancestors' connection to the esteemed Augustus Caesar and the influential world of ancient Rome.

Geographical distribution of the last name Augustus

The last name "Augustus" has a relatively small geographical distribution, with most individuals with this surname residing in the United States and the United Kingdom. In the U.S., the name Augustus is most commonly found in the southern states, particularly in Louisiana, Mississippi, Alabama, and Georgia. These states likely have a higher concentration of individuals with this last name due to historical factors such as migration patterns and population movements. In the United Kingdom, the name Augustus is dispersed across various regions, but with a higher concentration in London and the South East. Additionally, the last name may also be found in other English-speaking countries such as Canada and Australia, albeit in smaller numbers. Overall, while the last name Augustus is not widely distributed globally, it has a notable presence in certain regions of the United States and the United Kingdom.

Variants and spellings of the last name Augustus

The last name "Augustus" has a few variations and spellings throughout different regions and languages. One common variation is "Auguste," which is commonly found in French-speaking countries. Another variation is "Augustyn," which is often seen in Poland and surrounding regions. In some cases, "Augustus" may be spelled with a single 's' as "Augustus," which is an alternate spelling in English-speaking countries. Similarly, in German-speaking countries, the name can be spelled as "Augustus" or "Augusts". Additionally, "Augusto" is a common variation found in Spanish and Italian-speaking countries. Furthermore, the last name can be shortened to "August," which is sometimes used as a standalone surname. These various spellings and variations of the last name "Augustus" indicate how language and culture can influence the way names are written and pronounced.

Famous people with the last name Augustus

One famous person with the last name Augustus is Gaius Octavius Thurinus, commonly known as Augustus. He was the first Roman emperor, ruling from 27 BC until his death in 14 AD. Augustus is considered one of the most important figures in Roman history, as he ushered in the Pax Romana, a long period of relative peace and stability throughout the empire. He greatly expanded the Roman Empire through military conquests and established a centralized system of government that laid the foundation for centuries of imperial rule. Augustus also implemented various social and economic reforms, which contributed to the empire's prosperity. His reign marked the end of the Roman Republic and the beginning of the Roman Empire. Augustus' impact on Roman society and politics is still studied and admired today, making him a truly iconic figure in history.

Genealogical research on the last name Augustus

The research on the last name Augustus traces back to ancient Rome and the reign of Emperor Augustus. With its Latin origin, the name Augustus derived from the word "augustus," meaning "revered" or "majestic." During the Roman Empire, Augustus was a prestigious title bestowed upon the first Emperor of Rome, Octavian, who successfully established Pax Romana and ruled from 27 BC to 14 AD. After the fall of the Roman Empire, the name Augustus continued to be used as a personal name or family name, often connecting individuals or families to Roman heritage. Genealogical research on the last name Augustus often reveals Roman ancestry or descent from families that admired the legacy of Emperor Augustus. Throughout history, individuals bearing the surname Augustus have spread to various parts of the world, particularly areas influenced by Roman civilization such as Europe, Latin America, and North America. Today, the surname Augustus continues to signify a link to an ancient and illustrious heritage.

Last name distribution maps

Sources & References

• INSEE statistics on the surname "Augustus"
• Global distribution of the surname 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 : 11 April 2025