Holding steady.
Popularity of Gustavus since 1880
Babies named Gustavus per year in U.S. Social Security records. Raw births topped out in 1966, but relative to how few babies were recorded back then, Gustavus's real moment was 1882.
Data table (by decade)
| Decade | Boys |
|---|---|
| 1880s | 23 |
| 1890s | 5 |
| 1900s | 0 |
| 1910s | 46 |
| 1920s | 20 |
| 1930s | 12 |
| 1940s | 12 |
| 1950s | 30 |
| 1960s | 56 |
| 1970s | 34 |
| 1980s | 18 |
| 1990s | 0 |
| 2000s | 10 |
| 2010s | 0 |
| 2020s | 0 |
Meaning & origin
Gustavus is a Latinized form of the Scandinavian royal name Gustav, carried by Swedish kings and later introduced to the United States in the 19th century. Social Security data shows its peak year of usage was 1882, after which it declined steadily. Although it did not rank in the top 1000 in the latest recorded year (2025), it maintained a stable trajectory across the 20th century. The name's 1-in-N ratio is not calculable due to its rarity, and it was not recorded in any top states in recent decades. For families drawn to historical names with a regal backbone, Gustavus offers a distinctive choice.
Gustavus is the Latinized form of the Old Swedish name Gustav, from the Old Norse elements "gautr" (Geat) and "stafr" (staff) or more likely from the royal name Gustav meaning "staff of the gods." It was borne by several Swedish kings, most notably Gustavus Adolphus, who was a major figure in the Thirty Years' War. The name was introduced to the English-speaking world through the House of Vasa and saw modest use in the United States in the 19th century.
Nicknames & variants
Nicknames: Gus, Gustav
Sibling names for Gustavus
Names that share Gustavus's style, for a brother or sister.
