Augusta is a name of Latin origin that means 'great' or 'venerable'. It was popular among Roman families and has been used as a female given name since the Middle Ages. The name Augusta was borne by several notable figures in history, including the Roman empresses Livia and Agrippina the Elder, who were mothers of emperors. In more recent times, Augusta Ada Lovelace, an English mathematician and writer, is perhaps one of the most famous bearers of this name. She is known for her work on Charles Babbage's proposed mechanical general-purpose computer, which makes her a pioneer in the field of computer science.
The name Augusta has been a part of American history for over a century, with its popularity ebbing and flowing throughout the years. Between 1880 and 2020, there have been a total of 1693 babies named Augusta in the United States.
During the late 1800s and early 1900s, Augusta was a relatively uncommon name, with fewer than 10 births per year. However, starting around 1912, the popularity of the name began to increase significantly. In fact, between 1912 and 1926, there were at least 14 births for each of those years, with some years seeing as many as 40 babies named Augusta.
The peak of Augusta's popularity in the United States was reached in the early 1920s. In 1922 alone, there were 36 babies named Augusta, which was the highest number recorded for that name during this time period. This trend continued into the mid-1930s, with the number of births remaining relatively high.
However, after 1935, the popularity of the name Augusta began to decline once again. By the 1960s and 1970s, there were fewer than 10 births per year for this name. This trend continued until the late 20th century, with only a handful of babies named Augusta each year.
In recent years, however, there has been a resurgence in the popularity of the name Augusta. Between 2016 and 2020, there were at least 7 births for this name each year, suggesting that Augusta may be making a comeback as a popular choice among American parents.
Overall, while the popularity of the name Augusta has waxed and waned over time, it remains an important part of American naming history. With over 1600 babies named Augusta in the United States since 1880, this classic name continues to be a beloved choice for parents across the country.