Rising since 2002, #3,583 for boys today.
Popularity of Gaius since 1920
Babies named Gaius per year in U.S. Social Security records.
Data table (by decade)
| Decade | Boys |
|---|---|
| 1920s | 15 |
| 1930s | 10 |
| 1940s | 12 |
| 1950s | 5 |
| 1960s | 0 |
| 1970s | 12 |
| 1980s | 10 |
| 1990s | 5 |
| 2000s | 80 |
| 2010s | 229 |
| 2020s | 151 |
Meaning & origin
Gaius is a truly ancient name with Roman origins, most famously associated with Gaius Julius Caesar. In the United States, it has enjoyed a modest but steady presence since at least the 1920s, when it first appeared in Social Security records. The name saw a peak in popularity in 2014, with more than 100 births that year (Precise figures unavailable per digest). Since 2002, its usage has been rising gradually, reflecting a broader interest in classical names. In 2023, Gaius ranked 3,583rd and had a frequency of 1 in 55,099 newborns. Its most common birth state is California, indicating a concentration in the western United States. The name's revival, while slight, suggests a niche appeal among families drawn to historical and scholarly names. Gaius remains a rare choice, but its ancient pedigree and strong vowel sounds give it a timeless quality that continues to attract a small but devoted following.
Gaius is a Latin praenomen (given name) of ancient Roman origin. Its exact etymology is debated; it may derive from the Latin verb 'gaudere' (to rejoice) or from an Etruscan root. The name was borne by several notable Romans, including Gaius Julius Caesar and the jurist Gaius, and was a common first name in the Roman Republic and Empire.
Where Gaius is most popular
Births per 100,000 boys by state, 2025. The lightest shade means too few recorded births.
Nicknames & variants
Variants: Caius, Gajus
Sibling names for Gaius
Names that share Gaius's style, for a brother or sister.
