August Babies
The majority of months get their names from their Roman number equivalent. September comes from Septimius, the Roman word for seven as it’s the seventh month of the Roman year. The same goes for October from Octavius and November from Nonus. Where as August is a little different. The month was originally named Sextillia, the Roman word for sixth as it was the sixth month of the Roman calendar. However it was later changed by Emperor Augustus as he named the month after himself.
Months as first names are nothing new, just ask April, May and June or even October.
While not the highest he’s ever ranked, August does sit pretty high on the charts for boys at 155 with 2,043 births last year. Augustus and Augustine also entered the top 1,000’s list at 502 and 711, respectfully. Fashion forward variants indeed.
Even the girls side took in favor of August. In 2020, 312 parents named their daughters August; welcoming it’s own placement on the charts at 856. I’ve definitely seen this name get a bit more love from the girls side than the boys via Instagram.
Southern city Augusta may even be of inspiration for you. Especially if your daughter is born on National Georgia Day - August 3rd. Augusta is one of those names that meets the mark but doesn’t get the recognition she deserves. Augusta has been off the charts sine 1944 - an over 70 year dismissal. Yet, that doesn’t make this name unusable at all. In fact, I think this name is due for a revival.
I personally love August as a name for either gender. Perhaps it’s because it’s my birth month or perhaps it’s because it’s my nephews name. Either way I know I’m not the only one obsessed with this name.
Over the past decade August has jumped up 272 spots and it is only expected to go up from here. That may be in part of celebrity star power it’s had. Mandy Moore and Princess Eugenia both welcomed baby boys whom they named August this past February. Making August the quintessential Hollywood IT name for boys ever since.
August has been favored among other celeb parents too. Dave Matthews, Ralphie May and Marisha Hargitary have all welcomed sons named August over the last 15 years. Garth Brooks, Oscar Nunez and Mark Zuckerberg all welcomed daughters named August too.
Taylor Swift’s Folklore album listed August as one of the tracks in 2020. Even Walt Disney Productions has fallen head over glass slipper with August’s potential nicknames introducing Gus-Gus (who’s full name is Octavius) in the 1950’s animated fairytale Cinderella and in the Boy Meets World spin-off Girl Meets world with son Auggie Matthews played by actor August Maturo.
As it has become the talk of the town, it’s clear August is the no-brainer name choice for someone born this month; but what if you want a name that is inspired by the month without it being obvious. That’s where this list comes in! Here are some August names beyond August.
Birth flowers
Gladys - A short spinoff of Gladiolus, the birth flower of August, makes for a glorious name. While it didn’t make the 100 year revival mark it was in it’s prime back in the day. Gladys was the equivalent to modern day Harper if you can envision that. Gladiolus’ come in a rainbow of colors ranging from yellow, lavender, burgundy and even peridot green. These flowers symbolize character strength, battle readiness and victorious pride.
Poppy - Poppy flowers are more recognized as August’s birth flower in the UK. The name itself is vastly popular there too. Poppy ranked at 17 on the UK charts in 2019 where it came in at 496 here in the US.
Birthstones
Onyx - Australian Rapper Iggy Azalea (born Amethyst Kelly) continued the gemstone trend when she gave birth to her son Onyx in April of 2020.
Peridot - The main gemstone of August. Peridot is said to bring peace and harmony. Balancing the mind, body and spirit with positive, creative energies.
Monthly Celebrations
Graham - National S’mores Day wouldn’t be complete without Graham (Crackers). This name is part refined literacy, part cozy lumberjack, and all around adorable. Graham was originally as surname that was derived from a place name. Grantham in Lincolnshire to be exact. Which was the birthplace of Margaret Thatcher. The most notable bearer of the name was Alexander Graham Bell. Both Thatcher and Bell are UK natives where they pronounce the name ‘Gray-um’ spelt Graeme; where as in North America we vary in pronunciation and spelling.
Mead - The first Saturday in August the American Homebrewers Association celebrates Mead Day. This celebration acknowledges the history, craft and trade of the drink. Actor Dylan Sprouse left the entertainment business to co-found his own mead brewery, All-Wise Meadery located in Brooklyn, New York.
Peaches - Fruitful names Apple, Clementine, Olive and Plum have cultivated a culinary trend all there own. We can’t leave out this sweet treat from the bunch. Peaches reach there peak harvest season between July and August. No summertime is complete without some peach cobbler.
Ty - While Ty can be considered as the short form of Tyler, Tyrone or Tyson this mini moniker was actually added to this list as a play on words. International Bow Day is celebrated on August 19th. From hairbows to bow ties, this accessory have been a staple in the fashion industry, especially as of late.
Valo - Valo is of Finnish origin meaning ‘light’ as well as the Malagasy cardinal number for ‘eight’. This girl name is the embodiment of a Leo baby born in August.
What Happened in History
Boston - August 17th recognizes Massachusetts as the first New England colony and the sixth state to join the Union according to the National Day Calendar. To join in the celebration, why not name your child after the state capital. It is a popular place name after all.
Napoleon - French military leader, Napoleon Bonaparte, was also an August baby. He was born on August 15, 1769 making his zodiac sign a Leo. It makes me wonder his birthday influenced the names meaning as Napoleon means ‘lion of the new city’.
A Trip to the Beach
Jeosa - This Korean originated name means ‘shore, islet or sandbank’. A beautiful choice for a beach baby.
Murphy - Another surname turned first name is Murphy. This name hales from Ireland meaning ‘sea warrior’. Murphy has been used in the fictional world as both a first and last name with characters Murphy McNully in Harry Potter and Shaun Murphy in The Good Doctor.
Nerida - At the beach you’re bound to find sea life. Crabs, jellyfish, and maybe even a shark but have you ever wished you could see a mermaid. While you may never get the opportunity to see an actual mermaid in the flesh, you may get the opportunity to name your daughter after one. Nerida or Neredia as it’s also spelt, is of Greek origin meaning ‘mermaid, sea nymph’. A rare name that brings this sea creature to real life.
As always, you can find more name lists and naming inspiration on Instagram @anamingstory.
Happy Baby Naming!