Holding steady.
Popularity of Erastus since 1880
Babies named Erastus per year in U.S. Social Security records. Raw births topped out in 1916, but relative to how few babies were recorded back then, Erastus's real moment was 1880.
Data table (by decade)
| Decade | Boys |
|---|---|
| 1880s | 102 |
| 1890s | 35 |
| 1900s | 10 |
| 1910s | 110 |
| 1920s | 103 |
| 1930s | 23 |
| 1940s | 19 |
| 1950s | 5 |
| 1960s | 0 |
| 1970s | 0 |
| 1980s | 0 |
| 1990s | 0 |
| 2000s | 0 |
| 2010s | 0 |
| 2020s | 0 |
Meaning & origin
Erastus is a biblical name with Greek origins, meaning 'beloved.' It first appeared in U.S. records in 1880, its peak year, but has never been a popular choice. The name has maintained a stable trajectory, with no significant revival in later decades. It is not associated with any particular U.S. state and remains a rare, traditional choice for those seeking a name with New Testament roots.
Erastus is derived from the Greek name Ἔραστος (Erastos), meaning 'beloved' or 'lovely.' It appears in the New Testament as the name of a Corinthian convert and treasurer, mentioned in Romans 16:23 and Acts 19:22. The name was used occasionally among early Christians and later in Puritan communities, but it has never been common in modern times.
Sibling names for Erastus
Names that share Erastus's style, for a brother or sister.
