Declining since 2005, #2,363 for boys today.
Popularity of Angus since 1880
Babies named Angus per year in U.S. Social Security records. Raw births topped out in 2006, but relative to how few babies were recorded back then, Angus's real moment was 1882.
Data table (by decade)
| Decade | Boys |
|---|---|
| 1880s | 155 |
| 1890s | 143 |
| 1900s | 128 |
| 1910s | 496 |
| 1920s | 660 |
| 1930s | 394 |
| 1940s | 405 |
| 1950s | 345 |
| 1960s | 283 |
| 1970s | 307 |
| 1980s | 360 |
| 1990s | 754 |
| 2000s | 1,042 |
| 2010s | 856 |
| 2020s | 423 |
Meaning & origin
Angus is a classic Scottish name with a long history. First recorded in U.S. data in 1880, it peaked in popularity in 1882 and has since trended downward, particularly after 2005. It currently ranks 2363, given to about 1 in 29450 boys. The name is most common in Utah and New York, reflecting its enduring appeal in areas with Scottish heritage. Despite its decline, Angus retains a rugged, traditional feel that appeals to parents seeking a strong, distinctive name.
Angus is the Anglicized form of the Gaelic name Aonghas, derived from aon meaning 'one' and gus meaning 'choice' or 'strength'. It has been used in Scotland since the Middle Ages, borne by various early kings and saints, and remains a staple of Scottish naming tradition.
Where Angus is most popular
Births per 100,000 boys by state. Press play or drag the slider to watch it move across the decades. The lightest shade means too few recorded births.
“Angus” around the world
Where Angus lands in the latest official birth statistics abroad, matched to the U.S. spelling.
France
5
babies in 2024
New Zealand
#71
in 2025
Australia (NSW)
#75
in 2025
Sources: INSEE (France) · NZ Dept of Internal Affairs (New Zealand) · NSW Registry of BDM (Australia (NSW)).
Nicknames & variants
Nicknames: Gus
Variants: Aonghas, Aengus, Oengus
Sibling names for Angus
Names that share Angus's style, for a brother or sister.
Sisters: Maeve, Iona, Fiona, Isla, Lachlan, Kirstie, Lorna, Rennie, Skye, Davie, Isobel, Kennie, Rhona, Shona, Ailie, Ailsa, Angla, Catriona, Donalda, Donelda, Edina, Elspeth, Gillie, Jenetta, Kirsty, Lassie, Lockie, Madgie, Treena, Andrina, Grissel, Kirsta, Magie, Mairi, Malvina, Ruari, Grisell, Airlie, Ceilidh, Epsie, Tamlyn
Brothers: Hamish, Finlay, Callum, Ewan, Duncan, Aleck, Frazier, Gordon, Kennith, Malcolm, Malcom, Murray, Tam, Alastair, Alistair, Allister, Calum, Elgin, Graeme, Laddie, Laird, Lorne, Tavis, Barclay, Duff, Erskin, Fergus, Fraser, Gilmore, Guthrie, Haig, Jock, Kallum, Macallan, Alasdair, Caellum, Calton, Cleland, Craige, Ewen, Gordie, Gordy, Lorn, Macgregor, Mcdonald, Mickle, Murdock, Neilson, Pate, Rankin, Tavish, Wilkie, Cregg, Kinneth, Athol, Deveron, Donaldson, Ewin, Glenroy, Hendry, Loudon, Lyall, Lyell, Macdonald, Mackinnon, Malcomb, Ranald, Renton
