Holding steady, #3,658 for boys today.
Popularity of Gustav since 1880
Babies named Gustav per year in U.S. Social Security records. Raw births topped out in 1917, but relative to how few babies were recorded back then, Gustav's real moment was 1883.
Data table (by decade)
| Decade | Boys |
|---|---|
| 1880s | 325 |
| 1890s | 218 |
| 1900s | 166 |
| 1910s | 723 |
| 1920s | 612 |
| 1930s | 339 |
| 1940s | 239 |
| 1950s | 195 |
| 1960s | 171 |
| 1970s | 149 |
| 1980s | 143 |
| 1990s | 207 |
| 2000s | 296 |
| 2010s | 285 |
| 2020s | 199 |
Meaning & origin
Gustav has a long history in Scandinavia and Germany, where it has been borne by royalty and commoners alike. The name first appeared in U.S. records in 1880 and reached its peak popularity in 1883. By 2025, it ranked 3,658th, with a 1-in-57,000 birth rate, indicating a moderate but stable usage. The name has not shown signs of a revival in recent decades. Its strong consonant sounds and royal associations give it a classic, sturdy feel that appeals to parents seeking traditional European names.
Gustav is a Scandinavian and German name, likely derived from Old Swedish elements 'gautr' (Geat, a North Germanic tribe) and 'stafr' (staff), though an alternate theory connects the first element to Old Norse 'gautr' or 'gotr' (Goth). The name became prominent through Swedish royalty, especially King Gustav Vasa (16th century) and several later kings. It spread to Germany and other parts of Europe through dynastic connections.
“Gustav” around the world
Where Gustav lands in the latest official birth statistics abroad, matched to the U.S. spelling.
France
5
babies in 2024
Sources: INSEE (France).
Nicknames & variants
Nicknames: Gus, Gösta, Gusti
Sibling names for Gustav
Names that share Gustav's style, for a brother or sister.
