Eustace Boy
Origin(s)
PronunciationYOO-stəs / /ˈjuːstəss/Greek; Latin
Meaning
Greek: fruitful; Latin: good
Historical & Cultural Background
The name Eustace is derived from the Greek name Eustachios (Ευστάχιος), which is composed of the elements "eu" meaning "good" or "well" and "stachys" meaning "ear of corn" or "grain." This etymology suggests a connotation of prosperity or abundance. The name made its way into Latin as Eustachius and subsequently into Old French as Eustace, before being adopted into Middle English. The transition into English occurred during the Norman Conquest in the 11th century, when many Norman names were introduced into the English lexicon.
Historically, Eustace has been borne by several notable figures, including Saint Eustace, a Christian martyr who is believed to have lived in the 2nd century. His story, which involves a vision of Christ and a subsequent conversion, was popularized in medieval hagiographies. The name also appears in various medieval texts, including the "Golden Legend," a collection of saints' lives compiled in the 13th century. Additionally, Eustace was the name of several noblemen in the Middle Ages, including Eustace I, Count of Boulogne, who participated in the First Crusade in the late 11th century.
Culturally, the name Eustace has been associated with themes of faith, endurance, and transformation, largely due to the legacy of Saint Eustace. The name's resonance in literature is also notable; it appears in works such as C.S. Lewis's "The Chronicles of Narnia," where the character Eustace Scrubb undergoes significant personal growth. This literary connection has contributed to the name's enduring presence in various cultural contexts. The diminutive form "Eusty" may also be encountered, reflecting a more informal or affectionate usage.
Trend Summary
Eustace has seen fluctuating popularity in the U.S., with a notable decline in usage since the early 20th century.
Similar Names
Variants
- Eustachius
- Eustachio
International Variants
- Eustache (French)
- Eustachio (Italian)
- Eustáquio (Spanish)
Famous people named Eustace
—
Fictional characters named Eustace
Eustace Scrubb is a fictional character from C.S. Lewis's The Chronicles of Narnia series. He is a boy who undergoes significant character development and transformation during his adventures in Narnia.
Sibling Suggestions
U.S. Historical Usage
The name Eustace was first seen in the United States in 1882. Eustace has ranked as high as #855 nationally, which occurred in 1921, and has been most popular in New York, and Georgia. In the past 5 years the name Eustace has been trending up compared to the previous 5 years.
Popularity Over Time (National)
Top States for Eustace (1936)
State | Births | Share |
---|---|---|
NY | 5 |
Popularity Over Time (National) — Table
Year | Births |
---|---|
1882 | 7 |
1885 | 7 |
1899 | 5 |
1900 | 5 |
1902 | 6 |
1910 | 6 |
1912 | 12 |
1913 | 10 |
1914 | 10 |
1915 | 11 |
1916 | 18 |
1917 | 13 |
1918 | 13 |
1919 | 18 |
1920 | 17 |
1921 | 29 |
1922 | 21 |
1923 | 21 |
1924 | 18 |
1925 | 20 |
1926 | 21 |
1927 | 8 |
1928 | 17 |
1929 | 12 |
1930 | 12 |
1931 | 7 |
1932 | 14 |
1933 | 6 |
1934 | 10 |
1935 | 11 |
1936 | 10 |
1937 | 6 |
1938 | 7 |
1940 | 12 |
1941 | 10 |
1942 | 5 |
1943 | 7 |
1944 | 7 |
1945 | 6 |
1946 | 7 |
1947 | 7 |
1948 | 11 |
1949 | 7 |
1950 | 6 |
1952 | 9 |
1953 | 8 |
1954 | 8 |
1955 | 12 |
1956 | 7 |
1957 | 6 |
1961 | 6 |
1965 | 9 |
1972 | 5 |
1973 | 5 |
1974 | 6 |
1977 | 8 |
1980 | 6 |
1982 | 7 |
1983 | 5 |
1990 | 6 |
1991 | 5 |
1992 | 8 |
1993 | 5 |
1994 | 5 |
1997 | 5 |
2011 | 5 |
2014 | 7 |
2015 | 8 |
2016 | 8 |
2018 | 7 |
2019 | 6 |
2021 | 9 |
2022 | 9 |
2023 | 6 |
2024 | 7 |