Noah Boy
NOH-uh
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#2
Gustavo
BoySpanish, Italian· “staff of the Geats”
- Meaning
- staff of the Geats
- Origin
- Spanish, Italian
- Pronunciation
- goos-TAH-voh
- Syllables
- 3
- US rank 2025
- #625
- US babies 2025
- 447
- Best rank
- #260 (2000)
- Peak year
- 2000
Meaning and origin of Gustavo
Gustavo is a Spanish and Italian name that is usually said to mean “staff of the Geats”.
Gustavo is the Spanish, Portuguese and Italian form of Gustav, a name with deep roots in Sweden. The Swedish Gustaf is usually traced to Old Norse elements meaning staff of the Geats, the Geats being an early people of southern Sweden, though some scholars propose other readings. The name was carried by Swedish kings, most famously Gustav Vasa and Gustavus Adolphus, and from there spread across Europe and into Latin America. Today it is especially common in Brazil, Mexico and other Spanish- and Portuguese-speaking countries. Gustavo sounds warm and dignified. Gus and Tavo are affectionate nicknames.
Popularity over time
Gustavo first appears in US Social Security records in 1911. It has ranked in the top 1,000 in 81 different years, starting in 1935. Its best national rank was #260 in 2000, the same year it reached its highest count of 1,290 babies. In 2025, 447 babies were named Gustavo, and it ranked #625 nationally. Its use has been fairly steady over the past decade.
Its national rank moved from #1,473 in 1920, #816 in 1950, #417 in 1980, #260 in 2000, #412 in 2010, and #625 in 2025. Of the 40,357 US boys named Gustavo since records began, 27% were born in the 2000s, its biggest decade. The 1990s come next, with 8,982 babies. Since 2010, 8,263 more have been named Gustavo.
Other boys' names that peaked around the same time include Zackary, Brenden, Marcos, Raul, and Enrique.
Where it is most popular (2025)
In 2025, Gustavo ranked highest in Texas, California, and New Mexico.
| State | Rank there | Babies |
|---|---|---|
| Texas | #360 | 104 |
| California | #361 | 96 |
| New Mexico | #388 | 5 |
| Kansas | #405 | 9 |
| Arizona | #449 | 16 |
Gender, sound and spelling
In the US it is used almost only for boys.
Gustavo is usually pronounced goos-TAH-voh, with three syllables. It has seven letters, starts with G and ends in “-vo”.
Middle names for Gustavo
A few middle names that flow with Gustavo: each avoids a matching first letter, a rhyme and a vowel clash where the names meet.
Sibling names for Gustavo
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Lists that include Gustavo
Frequently asked questions
What does the name Gustavo mean?
Gustavo is a Spanish and Italian name that is usually said to mean “staff of the Geats”.
What is the origin of the name Gustavo?
Gustavo has Spanish, Italian, and Swedish roots. Gustavo is the Spanish, Portuguese and Italian form of Gustav, a name with deep roots in Sweden.
Is Gustavo a popular name?
Yes. Gustavo ranked #625 in the US in 2025, which makes it in the top 1,000.
Is Gustavo a boy or girl name?
Gustavo is mainly a boy's name. In the US it is used almost only for boys.
How do you pronounce Gustavo?
Gustavo is usually pronounced goos-TAH-voh. 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