August

What does August mean?

Behind August lies the meaning “The venerable one”. The name goes back to Latin and reached central Europe through the Roman world and the language of the church. Name meanings are rarely definitive; where several readings circulate we list the most common first. Treat them as origin stories rather than definitions.

August is given as a boys' name and as a gender-neutral name. The readings differ slightly; both are attested.

Sound, length and pronunciation

It is pronounced AU-gust. The consonant ending gives the name definition. If your surname also starts hard, the say-it-out-loud test is worth doing.

At 6 letters and 2 syllables, August sits exactly in the range name researchers describe as well balanced — long enough to stand on its own, short enough for everyday use.

How popular is the name?

August sits at rank 139 in the popularity tables — recognisable, but well outside the names you hear daily.

Variants and spellings of August

August shares a root or meaning with 4 other names. Some are pure spelling variants, others independent names from the same root.

Does August suit your surname?

Check August against your surname for three things: the rhythm when spoken, the initials (Anna Sophie Schmidt becomes A.S.S.) and the nickname nursery will inevitably produce.

Sibling names that go with it

Parents who go on to have a second child often want names that work together. August pairs well with Emilia, Klara, Paula, Emily, Maja.

Registry offices in Germany, Austria and Switzerland

In Germany the registry office decides whether a first name may be entered. It must be recognisable as a first name and must not harm the child's wellbeing. Austria applies comparable criteria, and in Switzerland the civil registry decides. August is an established name and entirely unproblematic in all three countries.