Derived from a medieval contraction of Augustine, the name carries the heavy, historical weight of “greatness” but wears it with a casual, relaxed attitude. It is the perfect choice for parents who want a name that implies strength without sounding aggressive.
Verdict: Austin is a fantastic choice for a baby born in 2025. It offers a “sweet spot” balance: everyone knows how to spell and pronounce it, but your child likely won’t be one of five Austins in their kindergarten class. It is a timeless, solid name that will grow well from a playful toddler to a professional adult.
Austin Overview
- Meaning: Austin means “majestic” or “great.” It is derived from the Latin name Augustine, which translates as “to increase.”
- Gender: The name Austin is predominantly given to boys, but can also be gender-neutral.
- Origin: Austin is of Latin and English origin. It is derived from the Old French “Aostin,” which was itself a contraction of the name Agustin. That was a French equivalent of the Latin name “Augustine.
- Pronunciation: The name is most commonly pronounced as “AW-sten.”
- Popularity: The name Austin has been popular for several decades. In the United States, it ranked 89th in 2020.
- Nicknames: Augie, Aust, Austin Space, Aussie, Awesome, Az, Azzie, Dino, Stan, Sten, Tex, Tino, TinTin, Tiny, Ostrich, Oz, Ozzie.
- Variations: Agustin, Agostino, Augustus, Augustin, Augustyn, Avgust, Awstin.
- Namesakes: Austin Briggs (American cartoonist), Austin Caroll (Irish nun), Austin Leslie (American chef), Austin Roe (American spy).
What Does Austin Mean?
At first glance, Austin seems like a simple place name, but its meaning is deeply spiritual and regal. Austin is the medieval vernacular form of the Latin name Augustine.
The root of the name comes from the Latin word augere, which means “to increase.” Consequently, the name conveys the meaning of “great,” “magnificent,” and “majestic.” In Ancient Rome, the title “Augustus” was given to emperors to signify their venerable and sacred status. Therefore, naming a child Austin is a subtle way of bestowing a sense of dignity and high standing upon them.
While many associate the name purely with the city in Texas, the etymology suggests a person who is held in high esteem, exalted, and destined for greatness.
Where Does the Name Austin Come From?
The history of Austin is a fascinating journey through language evolution. It began with the Roman name Augustus. As the Roman Empire influenced Europe, the name evolved into Augustinus.
When the name traveled to France in the Middle Ages, it became Augustine and eventually the Old French Aostin or Agustin. Following the Norman Conquest of England in 1066, the French pronunciation influenced English speakers. By the 12th and 13th centuries, the English had shortened and Anglicized the name into the crisp, two-syllable Austin.
It was commonly used as a surname for centuries (think Jane Austen) before exploding in popularity as a given name in the United States, particularly gaining traction in the 1980s and 1990s.
How Popular is the Name Austin?
Austin is what we categorize as a “Modern Classic.” It is not currently at its peak, but it remains a widely loved choice.
The name experienced a meteoric rise in the late 20th century. It entered the US Top 10 in 1996, fueled by a trend toward “surname-style” first names and perhaps a touch of cowboy nostalgia. It remained a Top 10 staple for several years, defining a generation of boys.
In 2025, Austin has cooled off from its 90s fervor. It is no longer in the Top 10, having slowly descended into the Top 100. This is actually good news for new parents: it means the name is familiar and accepted, but your son is less likely to share his name with three other boys in his classroom. It has transitioned from a trendy hit to a reliable, handsome staple.
How Do I Pronounce Austin?
The pronunciation of Austin is straightforward, which is part of its lasting appeal. It is pronounced phonetically as AW-stin.
- AW: Rhymes with “saw” or “paw.”
- stin: Rhymes with “tin” or “bin.”
While accents may vary (particularly in the American South where the “AW” may be drawn out), the emphasis is almost universally placed on the first syllable.
Is Austin a Boy or Girl Name?
Historically and statistically, Austin is a boy’s name. In the US Social Security data, it overwhelmingly charts for males.
However, the trend of using surnames and place names for girls has opened the door for Austin to be used for daughters. When used for girls, parents often opt for the literary spelling Austen (a nod to author Jane Austen) to give it a softer, more feminine edge. While rare, a female Austin is not unheard of and fits well with the trend of names like “Blake” or “Parker” for girls.
Variations of Austin
Because Austin is the English evolution of a Latin root, it has “cousins” in almost every European language. If you want to honor the meaning of Austin but want something more distinct, consider these international variations:
- Augustine: The formal English and French version.
- Agustín: The Spanish form (often pronounced ah-goos-TEEN).
- Augusto: Italian, Portuguese, and Spanish.
- August: German and English (currently very trendy).
- Agostino: Italian.
- Awstin: The Welsh variation.
- Augustyn: Polish.
- Avgust: Slavic/Russian.
Nicknames for Austin
Austin is a short, two-syllable name, so it doesn’t strictly require a nickname. However, affectionate shortenings are always fun. Here are some common and creative options:
- Aus: The most natural, casual shortening.
- Oz / Ozzy: A cool, edgy twist on the vowel sound.
- Tex: A spirited nod to the capital city of Texas.
- Tin-Man: A playful nickname for a young boy.
- Augie: Borrowed from the root “August.”
- Ace: A creative nickname derived from the strong “A” sound.
- Stin: A rare but punchy end-sound nickname.
Names Similar to Austin
If you love the vibe of Austin, rugged, American, and friendly, but want to explore other options, consider these names that share a similar style:
- Dallas: Like Austin, this is a major Texas city name with a cowboy flair.
- Wyatt: Shares that Western, rugged charm but feels slightly more vintage.
- Logan: Shares the two-syllable, ending-in-N structure that was huge in the 90s and 2000s.
- Mason: Another occupational/surname name that feels sturdy and reliable.
- Hunter: captures the outdoorsy spirit often associated with Austin.
- Caleb: A biblical name that shares the down-to-earth, friendly “boy next door” vibe.
- Justin: The rhyming cousin to Austin; slightly more retro now but very similar in sound.
- Hudson: A modern successor to Austin; it’s a place name ending in “son.”
- Easton: A directional name that sounds nearly identical but feels more contemporary.
- Weston: Another directional surname that leans heavily into the western cowboy aesthetic.
Middle Names for Austin
Austin is a strong trochee (stressed-unstressed pattern), which makes it pair beautifully with single-syllable names or longer, three-syllable anchors.
Classic & Timeless Pairings
These names ground Austin, giving it a sophisticated and mature feel suitable for a future professional.
- Austin James
- Austin Thomas
- Austin Alexander
- Austin Michael
- Austin Christopher
- Austin Joseph
Modern & Cool Pairings
If you want to lean into the trendy or edgy side of the name, try these punchy middle names.
- Austin Grey
- Austin Cole
- Austin Hayes
- Austin Rhys
- Austin Cade
- Austin Blake
Nature & Western Pairings
To emphasize the “Texas” or outdoorsy vibe of the name without being too literal.
- Austin River
- Austin Brooks
- Austin Reed
- Austin Clay
- Austin Forrest
- Austin Stone
Sibling Names for Austin
Creating a sib-set involves matching the era and the “texture” of the name. You generally want names that feel established but not ancient.
For a Brother
- Tyler: Matches the 90s/00s golden era of naming.
- Connor: Shares the two-syllable, friendly Irish-American vibe.
- Dylan: Another modern classic that fits seamlessly with Austin.
- Luke: Short, biblical, and undeniably strong.
- Cody: Leans into the western/cowboy aesthetic.
- Ryan: A timeless choice that never sounds out of place next to Austin.
For a Sister
- Savannah: Like Austin, this is a famous Southern city name with plenty of charm.
- Hailey: A girl’s name that rose to fame in the same era as Austin.
- Sierra: Captures the rugged, western nature vibe perfectly.
- Madison: A surname-style name that mirrors Austin’s popularity curve.
- Sydney: Another place name that feels spirited and fun.
- Avery: A unisex surname name that sounds sophisticated next to Austin.
Famous People Named Austin
This name has been worn by artists, athletes, and actors. Here are a few notable figures who share the name:
- Austin Butler: An American actor who gained worldwide fame for his portrayal of Elvis Presley in the 2022 biopic “Elvis.”
- Austin Mahone: An American singer and songwriter who gained popularity through YouTube in the early 2010s.
- Post Malone (Austin Richard Post): The genre-bending global superstar rapper and singer was born Austin Post.
- Austin Rivers: An American professional basketball player in the NBA.
- Stephen F. Austin: Known as the “Father of Texas,” he is the namesake for the state’s capital city.
- Austin McBroom: A well-known former basketball player and YouTube personality.
Austin in Pop Culture
- Austin Powers: The shagadelic British spy played by Mike Myers in the iconic comedy film series.
- Austin Moon: The talented teen singer played by Ross Lynch in Disney Channel’s “Austin & Ally.”
- Austin Ames: The “Nomad” and romantic lead played by Chad Michael Murray in the movie “A Cinderella Story.”
- Steve Austin: The main character in the classic 1970s sci-fi series “The Six Million Dollar Man.”
FAQs About the Name Austin
Here are the most common questions we receive regarding the name Austin.
Is Austin a Biblical Name?
Technically, the name “Austin” does not appear in the Bible. However, it is a derivative of Augustine. St. Augustine of Hippo was one of the most influential theologians in the history of Christianity. Therefore, while the word “Austin” isn’t in scripture, the name carries significant Christian heritage and spiritual weight.
Is Austin considered a “Country” name?
Yes, Austin has a strong association with country music and the American West. This is largely due to Austin, Texas, being a massive cultural hub for country and live music. It fits comfortably into the “cowboy cool” category alongside names like Dallas, Houston, and Nash.
What are the personality traits associated with Austin?
In numerology, Austin is often associated with the number 9. This suggests a personality that is compassionate, humanitarian, and generous. Culturally, people named Austin are often perceived as approachable, friendly, creative, and laid-back.
Can Austin be spelled differently?
Yes, though Austin is the standard. The most common alternative is Austen, which is often used to honor author Jane Austen. More modern or phonetic spellings include Austyn (often used to feminize the name), Auston, or Aosten, though these are much rarer and may require frequent spelling corrections.
Is the name Austin losing popularity?
Austin has dropped from its peak in the 1990s, where it was a Top 10 name. However, “losing popularity” is relative. It remains well within the Top 100 names in the US, meaning it is still a very popular choice. It has simply transitioned from a “trendy” name to a “stable” name.
Is Austin More Commonly a Surname?
Yes! In fact, the surname also happens to have some of the most famous holders in history. Those include Jane Austen, Stone Cold Steve Austin, and Stephen F. Austin (the “father of Texas”).
Does the Name Austin Have Any Colors Associated With It?
As with many names, Austin does have associated colors. Namely, violet and red. In addition, there are links to copper, diamonds, and iron.
