Noah Boy
NOH-uh
“rest, comfort” · Hebrew
#2
Gus
BoyEnglish, Latin· “short form of Augustus or Gustav”
- Meaning
- short form of Augustus or Gustav
- Origin
- English, Latin
- Pronunciation
- GUHS
- Syllables
- 1
- US rank 2025
- #1,331
- US babies 2025
- 145
- Best rank
- #121 (1882)
- Peak year
- 1921
Meaning and origin of Gus
Gus is an English and Latin name that is usually said to mean “short form of Augustus or Gustav”.
Gus is a short form of Augustus, from the Latin augustus, meaning venerable or majestic, and of Gustav, a Scandinavian name whose meaning is debated. Augustus was the title adopted by the first Roman emperor, and it has remained a classic since. Gus has long been used as a friendly nickname and now stands on its own. It sounds warm, sturdy and a little old-fashioned in the best way. Many parents choose Augustus or August formally and use Gus every day.
Other spellings with the same sound: Guss.
Popularity over time
Gus has been given to babies in the United States since at least 1880, the first year of Social Security records. It has ranked in the top 1,000 in 99 different years. Its best national rank was #121 in 1882, and the most babies received it in 1921, when 327 were named Gus. In 2025, 145 babies were named Gus, and it ranked #1,331 nationally. Its use has been fairly steady over the past decade.
Its national rank moved from #329 in 1920, #523 in 1950, #1,128 in 1980, #2,311 in 2000, #1,292 in 2010, and #1,331 in 2025. Of the 20,119 US boys named Gus since records began, 15% were born in the 1920s, its biggest decade. The 1910s come next, with 2,288 babies. Since 2010, 2,635 more have been named Gus.
Other boys' names that peaked around the same time include Weldon, Buford, Wiley, Thurman, and Odell.
Where it is most popular (2025)
In 2025, Gus ranked highest in Minnesota, Iowa, and Utah.
Gender, sound and spelling
In the US it is used almost only for boys.
Gus is usually pronounced GUHS, with one syllable. It has three letters, starts with G and ends in “-us”. Names that sound the same but are spelled differently include Guss.
Middle names for Gus
A few middle names that flow with Gus: each avoids a matching first letter, a rhyme and a vowel clash where the names meet.
Sibling names for Gus
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Lists that include Gus
Frequently asked questions
What does the name Gus mean?
Gus is an English and Latin name that is usually said to mean “short form of Augustus or Gustav”.
What is the origin of the name Gus?
Gus has English and Latin roots. Gus is a short form of Augustus, from the Latin augustus, meaning venerable or majestic, and of Gustav, a Scandinavian name whose meaning is debated.
Is Gus a popular name?
Not especially. Gus ranked #1,331 in the US in 2025, which puts it outside the top 1,000.
Is Gus a boy or girl name?
Gus is mainly a boy's name. In the US it is used almost only for boys.
How do you pronounce Gus?
Gus is usually pronounced GUHS. Stressed syllables are in capital letters.
Popularity figures come from US Social Security card applications (names given to at least five babies in a year, 1880 to 2025). How we source names and meanings