Austen is a name of English origin, derived from the Middle English word "Austyn," which was itself derived from the Late Latin name "Augustinus." This name has a rich history and significant meaning.
The name Austen is a variant spelling of Augustine, which means "great" or "venerable." It was originally borne by Saint Augustine of Hippo, a 4th-century Christian theologian and philosopher. Saint Augustine was one of the most influential figures in the development of Christianity, and his writings have had a profound impact on Western thought.
The name Austen began to be used as a given name in its own right during the 19th century. It was particularly popular among families in England and other English-speaking countries who were drawn to its historical and literary associations.
One notable bearer of the name Austen is Jane Austen, the celebrated British novelist known for her insightful depictions of early 19th-century English gentry. Born in 1775, Jane Austen wrote some of the most revered works in English literature, including "Pride and Prejudice" and "Emma."
In modern times, Austen continues to be a name that is often associated with intelligence, creativity, and sophistication. It remains a popular choice for parents looking for a classic yet distinctive name for their child.
In conclusion, the name Austen has a fascinating history and significant meaning. Its origins can be traced back to ancient Latin roots, while its popularity has been shaped by literary figures such as Jane Austen. Today, Austen is still a beloved name that reflects its rich heritage and enduring appeal.
The name Austen has seen a significant increase in popularity over the past few decades, with a total of 1191 babies given this name since 1980 in the United States alone.
In the early 1980s, Austen was quite rare, with only 6 births recorded in 1980 and just 5 in 1981. However, it began to gain traction in subsequent years, reaching double digits by 1984 with 7 births that year.
The name Austen really started to take off in the early 1990s, with a significant jump from 29 births in 1992 to 36 births in 1994. This upward trend continued throughout most of the decade, with peaks in 1998 (21 births) and 2000 (12 births).
However, Austen's popularity began to fluctuate more significantly from 2001 onwards. After a peak of 43 births in 2014, there was a notable decline the following year, with only 61 births recorded in 2015.
Despite this dip, Austen's popularity has since rebounded strongly. Between 2016 and 2022, there were over 400 babies named Austen, with a particularly high number of 92 births in 2016. Even more recently, in 2022, there were 53 births recorded for the name Austen.
These statistics indicate that while Austen's popularity has ebbed and flowed over the years, it has nonetheless become a more common choice for parents naming their children since the early 1980s. Its recent resurgence suggests that Austen continues to be a favored name among new parents in the United States.