Declining since 1996, #2,516 for boys today.
Popularity of Austen since 1917
Babies named Austen per year in U.S. Social Security records.
Data table (by decade)
| Decade | Girls | Boys |
|---|---|---|
| 1910s | 0 | 5 |
| 1920s | 0 | 18 |
| 1930s | 0 | 0 |
| 1940s | 0 | 0 |
| 1950s | 0 | 5 |
| 1960s | 0 | 5 |
| 1970s | 0 | 68 |
| 1980s | 99 | 851 |
| 1990s | 220 | 3,712 |
| 2000s | 143 | 1,867 |
| 2010s | 500 | 1,182 |
| 2020s | 329 | 412 |
Meaning & origin
The name Austen has a subtle literary appeal, most famously associated with English novelist Jane Austen. While it has never been among the most common names, it has maintained a steady presence in the U.S. since it was first recorded in 1917. Austen saw its peak popularity in 1995, and since 1996 its usage has been gradually declining. In 2025, it ranked 2,516th, with about 1 in 32,228 newborns receiving the name. The name has been most popular in New York. Austen's classic sound and literary connection give it a quiet sophistication that appeals to parents seeking a distinctive yet familiar name.
Austen is a variant of the name Austin, which itself is a medieval contraction of Augustine. The name Augustine comes from the Latin Augustinus, derived from Augustus meaning 'great' or 'venerable'. Historically, Austen was used as a surname before becoming a given name. Its usage as a first name gained some prominence in the 20th century, likely influenced by the literary association with Jane Austen.
Where Austen 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.
Nicknames & variants
Nicknames: Aus, Austy
Sibling names for Austen
Names that share Austen's style, for a brother or sister.
