Rising since 1988, #763 for boys today.
Popularity of Magnus since 1890
Babies named Magnus per year in U.S. Social Security records.
Data table (by decade)
| Decade | Boys |
|---|---|
| 1890s | 21 |
| 1900s | 29 |
| 1910s | 122 |
| 1920s | 132 |
| 1930s | 66 |
| 1940s | 23 |
| 1950s | 39 |
| 1960s | 18 |
| 1970s | 30 |
| 1980s | 74 |
| 1990s | 212 |
| 2000s | 1,028 |
| 2010s | 2,389 |
| 2020s | 1,989 |
Meaning & origin
Magnus is a Latin name meaning 'great' that has maintained a consistent presence in the United States since 1890, though its popularity has fluctuated. After a period of decline in the mid-20th century, Magnus has been on a steady rise since 1988, with its peak year in 2021. In 2025, it ranked #763, with an incidence of 1 in 5,068 births. The name is most popular in the upper Midwest, with top states including North Dakota, Idaho, and Oregon. Its long history in Scandinavia and association with royalty give it a distinguished, classic feel that appeals to parents seeking a strong, traditional name.
Magnus is directly derived from the Latin word magnus meaning 'great' or 'large'. It was used as a personal name in ancient Rome, most notably by the general Gnaeus Pompeius Magnus (Pompey the Great). The name later became popular in Scandinavia, especially among royalty and nobility, and has been borne by six kings of Norway and several Swedish kings. Its use in English-speaking countries remains rare but steady.
Where Magnus is most popular
Births per 100,000 boys by state. Press play or drag the slider to watch it move across the decades. The lightest shade means too few recorded births.
“Magnus” around the world
Where Magnus lands in the latest official birth statistics abroad, matched to the U.S. spelling.
France
5
babies in 2024
New Zealand
10
babies in 2025
Sources: INSEE (France) · NZ Dept of Internal Affairs (New Zealand).
Nicknames & variants
Nicknames: Mag, Mags, Magne
Sibling names for Magnus
Names that share Magnus's style, for a brother or sister.
