Gustavus Boy
Name Meaning & Origin Pronunciation: GUS-tah-vus //ˈɡʌstəvəs//
Origin: Latin; Germanic
Meaning: Latin: 'staff of the Goths'; Germanic: 'royal staff'
Historical & Cultural Background
The name Gustavus has its roots in the Old Norse name Gustaf, which is composed of the elements "gautr," meaning "Goth" or "Geat," and "stafr," meaning "staff" or "support." This name evolved through various linguistic stages, transitioning from Old Norse to Middle Latin as "Gustavus," and eventually into English. The name was introduced into English-speaking contexts primarily through the influence of Scandinavian monarchs and the Latinization of names during the medieval period, particularly in the context of the Protestant Reformation and the subsequent cultural exchanges between Northern Europe and England.
Historically, the name Gustavus is most notably associated with Gustavus Adolphus, the King of Sweden from 1611 to 1632, who is often credited with establishing Sweden as a great power in Europe during the Thirty Years' War. His military reforms and strategies had a lasting impact on European warfare, and he is remembered as a significant figure in both Swedish history and the broader context of European conflicts.
The name also appears in various historical texts and translations, including the works of early Protestant reformers and in the context of the Lutheran Church, which further solidified its presence in European culture. Culturally, Gustavus has been associated with strength and leadership, reflecting the qualities of its most famous bearers.
The name has been used in various forms across different cultures, including Gustav in Swedish and Gustave in French. Its historical significance is underscored by the legacy of figures like Gustavus Adolphus, whose contributions to military and political history have made the name resonate through the centuries.
The name's enduring presence in literature and historical texts highlights its importance in the cultural memory of Europe.
Famous people named Gustavus
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U.S. Historical Usage
The name Gustavus was first seen in the United States in 1880. Gustavus has ranked as high as #1059 nationally, which occurred in 1966, and has been most popular in . In the past 5 years the name Gustavus has been trending about the same compared to the previous 5 years.
Popularity Over Time (National)
Top States for Gustavus
No state data available for this year.
Popularity Over Time (National) — Table
| Year | Births |
|---|---|
| 1880 | 5 |
| 1881 | 5 |
| 1882 | 8 |
| 1884 | 5 |
| 1890 | 5 |
| 1911 | 6 |
| 1913 | 7 |
| 1914 | 7 |
| 1915 | 9 |
| 1917 | 8 |
| 1918 | 9 |
| 1922 | 7 |
| 1923 | 5 |
| 1927 | 8 |
| 1930 | 7 |
| 1938 | 5 |
| 1940 | 6 |
| 1947 | 6 |
| 1950 | 6 |
| 1955 | 6 |
| 1956 | 6 |
| 1958 | 7 |
| 1959 | 5 |
| 1960 | 5 |
| 1961 | 5 |
| 1963 | 6 |
| 1964 | 7 |
| 1966 | 10 |
| 1967 | 8 |
| 1968 | 8 |
| 1969 | 7 |
| 1970 | 9 |
| 1972 | 8 |
| 1973 | 10 |
| 1974 | 7 |
| 1980 | 7 |
| 1988 | 5 |
| 1989 | 6 |
| 2001 | 5 |
| 2006 | 5 |