Noah Boy
NOH-uh
“rest, comfort” · Hebrew
#2
Magnus
BoyLatin, Scandinavian· “great”
- Meaning
- great
- Origin
- Latin, Scandinavian
- Pronunciation
- MAG-nuhs
- Syllables
- 2
- US rank 2025
- #765
- US babies 2025
- 337
- Best rank
- #719 (2017)
- Peak year
- 2021
Meaning and origin of Magnus
Magnus is a Latin and Scandinavian name that means “great”.
Magnus is simply the Latin word for "great." It became a Scandinavian royal name through Magnus the Good, king of Norway and Denmark in the eleventh century, who was reportedly named in honor of Charlemagne, known in Latin as Carolus Magnus. Several later kings of Norway and Sweden bore it, and Saint Magnus of Orkney is venerated in Scotland. The name remains common in the Nordic countries and has a strong, historic presence elsewhere. It sounds bold yet classic, and Mag or Mack are possible nicknames for everyday use.
Popularity over time
Magnus first appears in US Social Security records in 1890. It has ranked in the top 1,000 in 13 different years, starting in 2013. Its best national rank was #719 in 2017, and the most babies received it in 2021, when 354 were named Magnus. In 2025, 337 babies were named Magnus, and it ranked #765 nationally. That is 28% more than ten years earlier, so it is clearly on the rise.
Its national rank moved from #1,729 in 1920, #2,938 in 1950, #2,161 in 2000, #1,152 in 2010, and #765 in 2025. Of the 6,172 US boys named Magnus since records began, 39% were born in the 2010s, its biggest decade. The 2020s come next, with 1,989 babies.
Other boys' names that peaked around the same time include Marcellus, Gatlin, Grey, Avi, and Kaiser.
Where it is most popular (2025)
In 2025, Magnus ranked highest in North Dakota, Idaho, and Oregon.
| State | Rank there | Babies |
|---|---|---|
| North Dakota | #248 | 5 |
| Idaho | #360 | 7 |
| Oregon | #364 | 11 |
| Utah | #429 | 11 |
| Wisconsin | #465 | 11 |
Gender, sound and spelling
In the US it is used almost only for boys.
Magnus is usually pronounced MAG-nuhs, with two syllables. It has six letters, starts with M and ends in “-us”.
Middle names for Magnus
A few middle names that flow with Magnus: each avoids a matching first letter, a rhyme and a vowel clash where the names meet.
Sibling names for Magnus
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Lists that include Magnus
Frequently asked questions
What does the name Magnus mean?
Magnus is a Latin and Scandinavian name that means “great”.
What is the origin of the name Magnus?
Magnus has Latin and Scandinavian roots. Magnus is simply the Latin word for "great." It became a Scandinavian royal name through Magnus the Good, king of Norway and Denmark in the eleventh century, who was reportedly named in honor of Charlemagne, known in Latin as Carolus Magnus.
Is Magnus a popular name?
Yes. Magnus ranked #765 in the US in 2025, which makes it in the top 1,000.
Is Magnus a boy or girl name?
Magnus is mainly a boy's name. In the US it is used almost only for boys.
How do you pronounce Magnus?
Magnus is usually pronounced MAG-nuhs. 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