Choosing a name for your baby is a significant decision, laden with meaning and hopes for the future. The name Augustine is a classic, rich in history and carrying an air of dignity and strength. But how popular is the name Augustine, and what does it signify? This article delves into the meaning, origin, popularity trends, and alternative names associated with Augustine, providing a comprehensive guide for parents considering this distinguished moniker.
The Meaning and Origin of Augustine
Augustine is a name of Latin origin, derived from the name Augustus. Augustus was an imperial title given to Roman emperors, signifying "venerable," "majestic," or "great." Therefore, the name Augustine inherits these powerful connotations. It suggests someone who is respected, dignified, and possesses a noble character. The name carries a sense of history and timelessness, connecting the bearer to a rich cultural heritage.
Beyond its imperial roots, the name Augustine is strongly associated with Saint Augustine of Hippo, one of the most important figures in the history of the Christian Church. His writings and philosophical contributions have had a profound impact on Western thought, further cementing the name’s association with intelligence, wisdom, and spiritual depth. This historical association lends the name a certain gravitas and intellectual weight.
Augustine Name Popularity: A Historical Perspective
The popularity of Augustine has fluctuated throughout the 20th and 21st centuries. Examining the data from the Social Security Administration (SSA), we can trace its trajectory:
| Year | Rank | # Births | % Births |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1910 | — | 0 | 0% |
| 1911 | 469 | 12 | 0.0032% |
| 1912 | 535 | 24 | 0.0048% |
| 1913 | 482 | 44 | 0.0078% |
| 1914 | 545 | 48 | 0.0069% |
| 1915 | 599 | 56 | 0.0062% |
| 1916 | 541 | 75 | 0.0078% |
| 1917 | 543 | 80 | 0.008% |
| 1918 | 496 | 107 | 0.01% |
| 1919 | 538 | 89 | 0.0085% |
| 1920 | 502 | 109 | 0.0098% |
| 1921 | 502 | 115 | 0.01% |
| 1922 | 522 | 106 | 0.0095% |
| 1923 | 497 | 115 | 0.0103% |
| 1924 | 497 | 121 | 0.0104% |
| 1925 | 485 | 118 | 0.0104% |
| 1926 | 484 | 119 | 0.0108% |
| 1927 | 493 | 114 | 0.0103% |
| 1928 | 503 | 110 | 0.0103% |
| 1929 | 490 | 105 | 0.0101% |
| 1930 | 537 | 87 | 0.0083% |
| 1931 | 547 | 78 | 0.0079% |
| 1932 | 501 | 96 | 0.0097% |
| 1933 | 505 | 87 | 0.0093% |
| 1934 | 541 | 82 | 0.0085% |
| 1935 | 573 | 66 | 0.0068% |
| 1936 | 605 | 56 | 0.0058% |
| 1937 | 615 | 55 | 0.0056% |
| 1938 | 576 | 68 | 0.0066% |
| 1939 | 633 | 50 | 0.0049% |
| 1940 | 584 | 67 | 0.0063% |
| 1941 | 602 | 62 | 0.0055% |
| 1942 | 614 | 67 | 0.0053% |
| 1943 | 634 | 64 | 0.0049% |
| 1944 | 592 | 67 | 0.0054% |
| 1945 | 588 | 65 | 0.0053% |
| 1946 | 634 | 63 | 0.0043% |
| 1947 | 623 | 81 | 0.0049% |
| 1948 | 597 | 83 | 0.0052% |
| 1949 | 631 | 73 | 0.0045% |
| 1950 | 593 | 88 | 0.0055% |
| 1951 | 709 | 57 | 0.0034% |
| 1952 | 699 | 59 | 0.0034% |
| 1953 | 689 | 69 | 0.0039% |
| 1954 | 721 | 61 | 0.0033% |
| 1955 | 682 | 73 | 0.004% |
| 1956 | 734 | 60 | 0.0032% |
| 1957 | 691 | 74 | 0.0038% |
| 1958 | 717 | 64 | 0.0034% |
| 1959 | 651 | 97 | 0.0051% |
| 1960 | 717 | 72 | 0.0038% |
| 1961 | 702 | 75 | 0.004% |
| 1962 | 751 | 63 | 0.0034% |
| 1963 | 734 | 68 | 0.0038% |
| 1964 | 691 | 79 | 0.0045% |
| 1965 | 721 | 62 | 0.0038% |
| 1966 | 712 | 65 | 0.0042% |
| 1967 | 770 | 48 | 0.0032% |
| 1968 | 732 | 59 | 0.0039% |
| 1969 | 734 | 68 | 0.0044% |
| 1970 | 794 | 62 | 0.0039% |
| 1971 | 716 | 84 | 0.0056% |
| 1972 | 754 | 65 | 0.0048% |
| 1973 | 757 | 67 | 0.0052% |
| 1974 | 800 | 59 | 0.0045% |
| 1975 | 807 | 60 | 0.0047% |
| 1976 | 851 | 52 | 0.004% |
| 1977 | 874 | 54 | 0.004% |
| 1978 | 834 | 61 | 0.0045% |
| 1979 | 832 | 65 | 0.0046% |
| 1980 | 783 | 78 | 0.0053% |
| 1981 | 852 | 63 | 0.0043% |
| 1982 | 796 | 80 | 0.0054% |
| 1983 | 921 | 50 | 0.0034% |
| 1984 | 826 | 69 | 0.0046% |
| 1985 | 914 | 53 | 0.0035% |
| 1986 | 866 | 65 | 0.0043% |
| 1987 | 959 | 53 | 0.0035% |
| 1988 | 961 | 58 | 0.0037% |
| 1989 | 1,017 | 58 | 0.0036% |
| 1990 | 1,087 | 54 | 0.0033% |
| 1991 | 1,027 | 64 | 0.0039% |
| 1992 | 1,017 | 67 | 0.0042% |
| 1993 | 1,132 | 53 | 0.0034% |
| 1994 | 1,217 | 43 | 0.0028% |
| 1995 | 1,049 | 68 | 0.0045% |
| 1996 | 1,148 | 55 | 0.0037% |
| 1997 | 1,017 | 80 | 0.0054% |
| 1998 | 1,129 | 62 | 0.0041% |
| 1999 | 1,117 | 69 | 0.0046% |
| 2000 | 1,253 | 55 | 0.0036% |
| 2001 | 1,068 | 85 | 0.0056% |
| 2002 | 1,165 | 72 | 0.0048% |
| 2003 | 1,202 | 72 | 0.0047% |
| 2004 | 1,056 | 100 | 0.0066% |
| 2005 | 1,119 | 93 | 0.0061% |
| 2006 | 1,200 | 88 | 0.0056% |
| 2007 | 1,063 | 119 | 0.0075% |
| 2008 | 1,157 | 98 | 0.0063% |
| 2009 | 1,084 | 113 | 0.0076% |
| 2010 | 1,029 | 129 | 0.009% |
| 2011 | 1,117 | 101 | 0.0071% |
| 2012 | 983 | 137 | 0.0096% |
| 2013 | 950 | 148 | 0.0104% |
| 2014 | 950 | 159 | 0.0109% |
| 2015 | 793 | 228 | 0.0157% |
| 2016 | 701 | 293 | 0.0203% |
| 2017 | 737 | 256 | 0.0183% |
| 2018 | 712 | 272 | 0.0198% |
| 2019 | 708 | 272 | 0.0201% |
| 2020 | 721 | 287 | 0.0225% |
| 2021 | 630 | 397 | 0.0325% |
| 2022 | 629 | 398 | 0.0302% |
| 2023 | 626 | 408 | 0.0315% |
From this data, we can observe a few key trends:
- Early 20th Century: The name saw moderate use in the early decades of the 20th century, hovering around the 500-700 rank.
- Mid-Century Dip: Popularity declined somewhat in the mid-20th century, reaching lower ranks and fewer births.
- Recent Resurgence: Interestingly, Augustine has experienced a notable increase in popularity in recent years. While the rank is around 626 in 2023, the number of births (408) and the percentage of births (0.0315%) are significantly higher than in many previous decades. This suggests a growing interest in the name.
This recent upward trend indicates that Augustine is experiencing a revival, perhaps driven by a desire for classic, meaningful names that stand out from more trendy options.
Names Like Augustine
If you are drawn to Augustine but want to explore similar options, here are some related names:
Diminutives of Augustine:
- Augustus: A direct link to the imperial title, offering a strong and classic feel.
Variants of Augustine:
- Agoston: A Hungarian variant.
- Aguistin/Agustin: Spanish variations, offering a slightly different pronunciation.
- Augie: A short, friendly nickname.
- Augustin: A common variation.
- Augustyn: A Polish variant.
- Augy: Another short and cute nickname.
- Austen/Austin/Austyn: These names share the same origin and offer a more modern feel.
Names That Sound Like Augustine:
- Agustine: Very close in sound to Augustine.
- Augustino: An Italian variant.
Sibling Names for Augustine
Choosing sibling names that complement Augustine can create a harmonious and stylish family name set. Here are a few suggestions based on the provided data and overall aesthetic:
- Atticus: Another classic Latin name with literary associations.
- Scarlett: A sophisticated and popular English name.
- Bennett: A strong and traditional English name.
These names share a sense of timelessness and sophistication, creating a balanced and appealing combination with Augustine.
Conclusion: Augustine – A Name Worth Considering
Augustine is a name that offers a compelling blend of history, meaning, and growing popularity. Its Latin origins connect it to Roman emperors, while its association with Saint Augustine lends it intellectual and spiritual depth. The recent increase in popularity suggests that parents are increasingly drawn to its classic charm and distinctive character. If you are looking for a name that is both dignified and unique, Augustine is definitely a name to consider. It’s a name that whispers of greatness and inspires respect, a truly wonderful choice for your child.
