Justin is a popular male given name of Latin origin that means "just" or "fair". It comes from the Latin word "iustus", which translates to "just" or "righteous". The name Justin has been used throughout history, notably by several early Christian saints and theologians, including Saint Justin Martyr, an important figure in the second century.
The name gained significant popularity during the Middle Ages when it was used among European royalty. For instance, Justinian I, also known as Justinianus, was a Byzantine Emperor from 527 to 565 AD who is famous for his law codes and architectural projects such as the Hagia Sophia in Istanbul. His reign marked the beginning of the Justinian Dynasty.
In more recent times, the name Justin has been popular among celebrities and public figures, which may have contributed to its continued popularity today. However, it has consistently ranked within the top 1000 baby names for boys in the United States since the late 19th century, indicating that its appeal is not solely based on recent trends.
In terms of cultural significance, the name Justin is often associated with intelligence and leadership due to figures like Saint Justin Martyr, who was known for his philosophical debates and writings, and Emperor Justinian I, whose legal reforms are still studied today. Overall, Justin is a strong, classic name with a rich history that continues to appeal to parents seeking a meaningful and enduring name for their sons.
The name Justin has a fascinating history of popularity in the United States over the past century and a half. Between 1880 and 1920, the number of babies named Justin at birth ranged from just 6 to a peak of 161 in 1924. However, it wasn't until the mid-20th century that the name began to gain significant traction.
In 1950, there were only 128 births with the name Justin, but by 1967, this number had increased dramatically to 623. This trend continued into the 1970s and 1980s, with a record high of 37,225 births in 1988. The name remained popular throughout the 1990s, but began to decline slightly at the turn of the millennium.
Despite this decrease in popularity, Justin still maintained a significant presence among newborns in the United States. Between 2000 and 2022, the number of babies named Justin ranged from a low of 1,925 in 2023 to a high of 7,853 in 2010.
In total, over the past century and a half, there have been 787,097 births registered with the name Justin in the United States. This longevity and consistency demonstrate that Justin is truly a classic and enduring name choice for parents.