Rising since 2013, #308 for girls today.
Popularity of Octavia since 1880
Babies named Octavia per year in U.S. Social Security records.
Data table (by decade)
| Decade | Girls |
|---|---|
| 1880s | 289 |
| 1890s | 404 |
| 1900s | 491 |
| 1910s | 802 |
| 1920s | 846 |
| 1930s | 524 |
| 1940s | 421 |
| 1950s | 665 |
| 1960s | 849 |
| 1970s | 1,629 |
| 1980s | 3,053 |
| 1990s | 3,005 |
| 2000s | 1,492 |
| 2010s | 2,917 |
| 2020s | 6,591 |
Meaning & origin
Octavia has a long history rooted in ancient Rome, where it was borne by the sister of Emperor Augustus. In the United States, the name first appeared in Social Security records in 1880, and its popularity has fluctuated over time. After reaching a peak in 2022, it has remained in use, with a current rank of 308 in 2025, meaning 1 in every 1,637 baby girls receives the name. The name has been rising in popularity since 2013, reflecting a broader trend of reviving classical Roman names. Octavia is particularly favored in states like Wyoming, Vermont, and West Virginia, suggesting a preference for distinctive, historic names in those regions. Its elegant sound and numerical significance make it a choice that balances tradition with a modern feel.
Octavia is the feminine form of the Latin name Octavius, derived from 'octavus', meaning 'eighth'. It was originally given to the eighth child or a child born in the eighth month. The name was used in ancient Rome, most notably by the sister of Emperor Augustus. It has been revived in modern times, particularly in English-speaking countries.
Where Octavia is most popular
Births per 100,000 girls by state. Press play or drag the slider to watch it move across the decades. The lightest shade means too few recorded births.
“Octavia” around the world
Where Octavia lands in the latest official birth statistics abroad, matched to the U.S. spelling.
France
135
babies in 2024
New Zealand
18
babies in 2025
Quebec
5
babies in 2025
Sources: INSEE (France) · NZ Dept of Internal Affairs (New Zealand) · Retraite Québec (Quebec).
Nicknames & variants
Nicknames: Tavi, Via, Ovi
Sibling names for Octavia
Names that share Octavia's style, for a brother or sister.
Sisters: Aurelia, Livia, Seraphina, Cordelia, Valentina, Lucretia, Luvenia, Seneca, Venetia, Druscilla, Quintella, Quintessa, Quintina, Agripina, Atavia, Louvinia, Lucilla, Quinta, Accalia, Aelia, Etrulia, Marcelia, Porcia
Brothers: Augustus, Julius, Titus, Marcus, Felix, Cassius, Aurelius, Ceasar, Ceaser, Claudius, Gaius, Kassius, Maxximus, Caius, Cicero, Corneluis, Crixus, Denarius, Hannibal, Nero, Octavis, Primus, Trajan, Tyberius, Aurelian, Cornellius, Cortavius, Quintus, Severus
Names like Octavia
Names whose popularity has moved with Octavia's over the last 50 years.
