While it technically represents a specific time of year, the “vibe” of the name is year-round elegance. It feels softer than Winter but more grounded than Summer. It appeals to parents who love the outdoors but want a name that feels established enough for a résumé.
Verdict: Autumn is a fantastic choice for a baby born in 2025. It offers the familiarity of a Top 100 favorite without feeling overused, and its connection to the earth makes it timelessly relevant.
Autumn Overview
- Meaning: Autumn means “fall season” or “of the woods.”
- Gender: Autumn is a female given name.
- Origin: Autumn is of Latin and French origins.
- Pronunciation: “AW-tum”
- Popularity: Autumn is a very popular baby name ranking at #66 on the highest-ranking baby girl names list.
- Nicknames: Aut, Auts, Auttie, Autty, Auto, Min, Tum, Tum Tum.
- Variations: Autum, Autumnn, Awtumn, Awtumnn, Autymn.
- Namesakes: Autumn Christian, Autumn de Forest, Autumn Derald, Autumn Kent, Autumn Mills, Autumn Sandeen, Autumn Smithers.
What Does Autumn Mean?
At its core, the name Autumn means “the fall season” or “of the woods.” However, the linguistic journey of the word offers a richer story. It is the season of transition, marking the passage from the warmth of summer to the chill of winter.
Because of this, the name carries a hidden meaning of “maturity” and “abundance.” It is associated with the harvest, gathering resources, and the colorful celebration of nature’s bounty. In the United States, we often use the words “Fall” and “Autumn” interchangeably, but Autumn is universally regarded as the more poetic and formal term.
Where Does the Name Autumn Come From?
The name Autumn is derived from the Latin word “autumnus.” Linguists are not entirely certain where the Latin root came from before that, though some suggest it may have Etruscan origins related to the drying up of the year.
The word traveled through Old French as “automne” before settling into English. Interestingly, the name Autumn is a relatively recent addition to the lexicon of English given names. For centuries, the season was simply referred to as “Harvest” in England. It wasn’t until around the 14th century, influenced by the French, that “Autumn” began to replace “Harvest” as the standard word for the season.
As a given name, it is not Biblical nor does it have ancient usage as a person’s name; it is a “word name” that gained traction in the 20th century. While most children named Autumn are born in the fall (late September to late December), it has become a popular choice regardless of birth month.
How Popular is the Name Autumn?
Autumn is a true success story of American naming trends. While it was virtually unheard of as a first name before the 1960s, it has steadily climbed the ranks to become a staple.
According to SSA data, the name broke into the Top 100 in the late 1990s and has remarkably stayed there ever since. This indicates that Autumn is not a “fad” name that spikes and crashes; rather, it is a stable, beloved choice for American parents. It is currently a top-tier favorite, ranking consistently high for over two decades. It is far more popular than its seasonal sisters, Summer and Winter.
How Do I Pronounce Autumn?
The standard American English pronunciation is AW-tum. The “N” at the end is silent.
In some dialects, specifically within parts of the UK or distinct American accents, it may be pronounced slightly closer to AW-tim, but the distinction is subtle.
Is Autumn a Boy or Girl Name?
Autumn is traditionally and statistically a female given name. While nature names (like River or Sage) are increasingly becoming unisex, Autumn has maintained a very strong feminine usage. It is extremely rare to find a boy named Autumn, though the spelling “Autum” has occasionally appeared for boys in very small numbers.
Variations of Autumn
Because Autumn is an English word name, it does not have traditional “variations” in the way a name like “Elizabeth” does. However, parents looking for a unique twist often alter the spelling.
- Autum
- Autumnn
- Awtumn
- Awtumnn
- Autymn
- Automne (French spelling)
Nicknames for Autumn
Autumn is a two-syllable name that rolls off the tongue easily, but affectionate nicknames are always welcome. Beyond the standard abbreviations, here are some creative options:
Common Nicknames
- Aut
- Autie / Auttie
- Auts
- Tum
- Tum-Tum
Creative & Rare Nicknames
- Goldie: A nod to the golden colors of the season.
- Red: Inspired by the changing leaves.
- Audie: A softer spin on the “Au” sound.
- Minnie: A playful stretch from the “mn” ending.
Names Similar to Autumn
If you love the vibe of Autumn but want to explore other options, consider these names that share a similar seasonal or nature-inspired essence:
- Amber: Shares the golden/orange color palette of Autumn.
- Hazel: A vintage nature name that feels just as cozy.
- Aurora: Shares the soft “Au” beginning but means “dawn.”
- Summer: The sunny, warmer counterpart to Autumn.
- Winter: A sharper, cooler seasonal choice.
- Aurelia: Means “golden one,” fitting the season perfectly.
- Sienna: An earth-tone color name that matches the fall aesthetic.
- Willow: A popular tree name with a similar peaceful rhythm.
- August: A similar sound, though often used for boys.
- Olive: Another earthy, grounded nature name.
Middle Names for Autumn
Because Autumn is a soft, noun-based name, it pairs beautifully with traditional middle names to ground it, or other nature names to enhance the theme.
Short & Sweet Middle Names
These one-syllable options create a rhythmic flow with the two-syllable Autumn.
Classic & Elegant Middle Names
These timeless choices give Autumn a sophisticated, “resume-ready” feel.
- Autumn Marie
- Autumn Elizabeth
- Autumn Claire
- Autumn Grace
- Autumn Louise
- Autumn Rose
Whimsical & Earthy Middle Names
For parents who want to lean into the bohemian vibe.
- Autumn Rain
- Autumn Sage
- Autumn Joy
- Autumn Willow
- Autumn Pearl
Sibling Names for Autumn
Creating a sibset for Autumn means looking for names that are familiar yet distinctly stylish.
For a Brother
You generally want a name that is rugged or nature-inspired without being too obscure.
- Autumn and Arthur (Classic match)
- Autumn and Finley (Playful match)
- Autumn and Hunter (Nature match)
- Autumn and River (Nature match)
- Autumn and Jasper (Earthy match)
- Autumn and Quinn
- Autumn and Wren
For a Sister
Sister names should share that warm, soft femininity.
- Autumn and Amelia
- Autumn and Ava
- Autumn and Brielle
- Autumn and Paige
- Autumn and Ivy (Botanical match)
- Autumn and Summer (Seasonal match)
- Autumn and Savannah (Place name match)
Famous People Named Autumn
- Autumn Reeser: An American actress best known for her role as Taylor Townsend on The O.C.
- Autumn de Forest: A young American painter who gained national attention as a child prodigy.
- Autumn Phillips: A Canadian management consultant and member of the extended British Royal Family (ex-wife of Peter Phillips).
- Autumn Hurlbert: An American singer and stage actress, known for Broadway performances.
- Autumn Shields: An author and speaker on personal growth.
Autumn in Pop Culture
- Autumn Brooks: A character in the TV series Flash Forward.
- Autumn: A character in the movie 500 Days of Summer (appearing at the very end as a symbol of new beginnings).
- Autumn MacRae: The alter ego of the Marvel character Sunshine.
FAQs About the Name Autumn
Do you still have questions about this colorful name? Here are some common inquiries parents have.
Who Was the Goddess of Autumn?
Carpo was the Greek goddess of autumn and the daughter of Aphrodite and Zeus. She is known as the personification for that season of the year. She was known as one of the Hours goddesses that represent seasons.
Carpo had two other sisters. Thallo represented spring while her sister Auxo personified the summer season.
What Is the Meaning of Autumn Spiritually?
Autumn personifies evolution and harvesting because of what the fall season it’s known for. Growth and transition in life’s chapters are epitomized through the fall season, which is what the name Autumn spiritually represents.
What Does the Bible Say About Autumn?
The Bible says that autumn’s yielding of the crops and a follower’s patience will be needed to await the return of Jesus. Just as farmers wait for crops to harvest in the fall, this is how Christ’s followers should wait on Him.
Is Autumn Considered a Hippie Name?
Autumn certainly has bohemian roots, having gained initial traction during the “flower power” era of the late 1960s and 70s. However, unlike more obscure nature names (like Rainbow or Sunshine), Autumn has crossed over into the mainstream. Today, it is viewed as a polished, established name rather than a counter-culture statement.
What Color Is Associated With the Name Autumn?
The name is inextricably linked to the “warm” side of the color wheel. When people hear the name, they typically visualize burnt orange, deep red, mustard yellow, and golden brown. It is a name that evokes warmth and earthiness.
Is Autumn Used in Other Languages?
While the name “Autumn” is distinctly English, the concept translates beautifully. In French, the word is “Automne” (rarely used as a name). In Japanese, the name “Aki” means autumn and is quite popular. In Turkish, “Bahar” can mean spring or the renewal of seasons, though not a direct translation.
What Are the Best Zodiac Signs for an Autumn?
If your baby is actually born in the autumn season, they will likely be a Libra (peaceful, balanced) or a Scorpio (passionate, intense). The name suits a Libra particularly well, as the sign is associated with balance, beauty, and aesthetics, traits often linked to the colorful fall season.
Can I Name My Baby Autumn if She Is Born in Summer?
Absolutely. While many Autumns are born in September, October, or November, the name has transcended the calendar. It is now chosen primarily for its sound and aesthetic rather than as a timestamp. Naming a summer baby “Autumn” is no different than naming a winter baby “August.”
