Holding steady.
Popularity of Festus since 1883
Babies named Festus per year in U.S. Social Security records. Raw births topped out in 1916, but relative to how few babies were recorded back then, Festus's real moment was 1883.
Data table (by decade)
| Decade | Boys |
|---|---|
| 1880s | 26 |
| 1890s | 10 |
| 1900s | 11 |
| 1910s | 86 |
| 1920s | 102 |
| 1930s | 41 |
| 1940s | 23 |
| 1950s | 26 |
| 1960s | 5 |
| 1970s | 21 |
| 1980s | 5 |
| 1990s | 0 |
| 2000s | 5 |
| 2010s | 0 |
| 2020s | 10 |
Meaning & origin
Festus is a rare Latin name with a distinctly joyful meaning. First recorded in U.S. data in 1883, it saw its peak year that same year, after which its usage declined sharply. The name never ranked in the top 1000, remaining a niche choice for parents drawn to classical or biblical names. Its trajectory has been stable, with very few annual births. The name carries a strong historical resonance, appearing as a Roman cognomen and as a figure in the New Testament. While its rarity may appeal to those seeking a distinctive name, it lacks the broader recognition of more common Latin names like Marcus or Julius. For parents who appreciate its meaning and heritage, Festus offers a unique yet grounded option.
Festus derives from the Latin adjective 'festus,' meaning 'joyful, festive, or pertaining to a feast.' It was a Roman cognomen, famously borne by the 2nd-century grammarian Sextus Pompeius Festus. The name appears in the New Testament as the Roman governor Porcius Festus, giving it a biblical connection. It saw modest use in English-speaking countries from the 1880s onward, often among families with classical or religious interests.
Nicknames & variants
Nicknames: Fess, Fest, Fetty
Variants: Fest, Festivus
Sibling names for Festus
Names that share Festus's style, for a brother or sister.
