Erastus Boy
Name Meaning & Origin Pronunciation: eh-RAS-tus //ɪˈræstəs//
Origin: Greek; Hebrew
Meaning: Greek: 'beloved'; Hebrew: 'he who is loved'
Historical & Cultural Background
The name Erastus has its roots in ancient Greek, originating from the word 'erastos,' which means 'beloved' or 'desired.' This term is derived from the verb 'erao,' which translates to 'to love.' The name entered the Latin language as 'Erastus,' maintaining its original meaning, and subsequently made its way into English through the influence of the Latin-speaking Christian tradition, particularly during the Renaissance when classical names were revived in Europe. Historically, Erastus is notably mentioned in the New Testament of the Christian Bible, specifically in the Acts of the Apostles and the Epistle to the Romans, where he is identified as a companion of the Apostle Paul.
This association with a prominent biblical figure contributed to the name's significance in early Christian communities. The name appears in various early Christian texts and was borne by several saints, further solidifying its place in religious history.
The name's usage can be traced back to at least the 1st century CE, marking its importance in early Christian nomenclature. Culturally, Erastus has been associated with themes of love and affection, reflecting its etymological roots.
The name has been used in various literary and artistic contexts, often symbolizing loyalty and devotion. In addition to its biblical connections, the name has appeared in classical literature and has been adopted in various forms across different cultures.
A diminutive form, 'Erast,' has also been noted in some historical texts, illustrating the name's adaptability and enduring appeal throughout the centuries.
Famous people named Erastus
In this section, you will find notable people named Erastus. We include individuals across a wide range of fields, including actors known for their work in film, television, and stage productions. You'll also find musicians, directors, and other public figures named Erastus who have made a significant impact on popular culture.
We also feature individuals named Erastus who have made meaningful contributions to science, politics, athletics, literature, and other areas of public interest.
Please note that not every baby name in our database currently has a famous namesake listed. If you would like to suggest a name we may have missed or submit a correction, feel free to contact us. We review and finalize additions and corrections within 24 hours.
Erastus Dow Palmer is a sculptor best known for his works in the 19th century, including the statue of the 'Goddess of Liberty' and the 'Fountain of the Four Seasons'.
Erastus Corning 2nd is a businessman best known for his leadership of the Albany, New York-based Corning Glass Works.
Fictional characters named Erastus
The following list of fictional characters named Erastus is a work in progress. If you would like to suggest an additional character, please send us the character's name along with a brief, one-sentence description of what they are best known for.
You may also submit corrections, which we will review and update as quickly as possible.
Erastus is a fictional character from the video game series Fallout. He is a member of the Brotherhood of Steel, known for his dedication to preserving technology and knowledge in a post-apocalyptic world.
Sibling suggestions
If you're looking for sibling name ideas that pair well with Erastus, the following options are frequently chosen as complementary choices by parents.
Similar names
Based on our extensive baby names database, several names share stylistic or phonetic similarities with Erastus. These names can serve as alternatives to the sibling suggestions listed above and may help you find the perfect complementary name for your growing family.
U.S. Historical Usage
The name Erastus was first seen in the United States in 1880.
Erastus has ranked as high as #2892 nationally, which occurred in 1916, and has been most popular in North Carolina, and Georgia.
In the past 5 years the name Erastus has been trending down compared to the previous 5 years.
Popularity Over Time (National)
The name Erastus is part of our comprehensive baby names database, which includes Social Security Administration (SSA) data dating back to 1880—the first official year of state and national tracking. The chart below shows when Erastus was first recorded in the United States and illustrates how its popularity has risen and fallen over time.
Popularity Over Time (National) — Table
We track the national popularity of each baby name annually. The table below displays each year along with the number of births reported by the Social Security Administration. This data combines all state-level reporting from the SSA's baby names database to provide a comprehensive view of overall birth counts for Erastus.
| Year | Total Births | Boy |
|---|---|---|
| 1957 | 5 | 5 |
| 1949 | 6 | 6 |
| 1946 | 8 | 8 |
| 1942 | 5 | 5 |
| 1939 | 7 | 7 |
| 1934 | 5 | 5 |
| 1933 | 5 | 5 |
| 1930 | 6 | 6 |
| 1929 | 7 | 7 |
| 1928 | 7 | 7 |
| 1927 | 10 | 10 |
| 1926 | 12 | 12 |
| 1925 | 8 | 8 |
| 1924 | 10 | 10 |
| 1923 | 11 | 11 |
| 1922 | 10 | 10 |
| 1921 | 18 | 18 |
| 1920 | 10 | 10 |
| 1919 | 16 | 16 |
| 1918 | 14 | 14 |
| 1917 | 6 | 6 |
| 1916 | 23 | 23 |
| 1915 | 21 | 21 |
| 1914 | 13 | 13 |
| 1913 | 7 | 7 |
| 1912 | 10 | 10 |
| 1904 | 5 | 5 |
| 1900 | 5 | 5 |
| 1898 | 5 | 5 |
| 1897 | 5 | 5 |
| 1896 | 12 | 12 |
| 1893 | 6 | 6 |
| 1891 | 7 | 7 |
| 1888 | 12 | 12 |
| 1887 | 11 | 11 |
| 1886 | 10 | 10 |
| 1885 | 15 | 15 |
| 1884 | 10 | 10 |
| 1882 | 14 | 14 |
| 1881 | 11 | 11 |
| 1880 | 19 | 19 |
Top States for Erastus (1919)
We track the most popular states for each baby name every year and highlight the locations where the name appears most frequently. The table below shows the five states with the highest number of births for this name in the selected year. Use the toggle to expand the list to every state with reported births.
| State | Births | Share |
|---|---|---|
| GA | 5 | |
| NC | 5 |