About the name Gustavus
Gustavus is a boy name with Old Norse roots, literally “Geat/Goth + staff”. It is related to Gustav, which is where the meaning comes from.
It has a unique feel. Fewer than 5 US babies of either sex received it in 2025, so it's very rare right now. Its peak year since 1940 was 1966. Since 2000, 100% of US babies named Gustavus were boys.
Etymology
A form of Gustav, which comes from Old Norse, meaning “Geat/Goth” + “staff”.
Name meaning adapted from Wiktionary (“Gustavus”, “Gustav”) by Wiktionary contributors, CC BY-SA 4.0.
- US rank 2025
- Not ranked
- In 2015
- Not ranked
- Babies in 2025
- Under 5
Popularity of Gustavus, 1940–2025
Latest SSA data: 2025.
Popularity data: U.S. Social Security Administration national baby names (public domain; names given to at least 5 babies of one sex per year).
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Gustavus
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7 LB 4 OZ · 20 IN
The Baby Kit
See Gustavus on a birth announcement
Birth announcements, shower invitations, nursery wall art and milestone cards, all personalized with Gustavus. Type your details once and print at home or at any print shop.
Names similar to Gustavus
Name meanings marked or linked “Wiktionary” are adapted from Wiktionary by Wiktionary contributors, CC BY-SA 4.0; each name page links its source entry.