The name Austen is of English origin and has a rich history behind it. It is derived from the Middle English word "Austyn," which was used to denote someone who came from Aust, an ancient village located in Somerset, England.
The meaning of the name Austen is believed to be connected to the Old English word "east," which means "east." Therefore, the name Austen may have been given to people who were born or lived in areas east of their place of birth or residence. However, there is also some evidence that the name Austen may have been derived from the Germanic name "Audoin," which means "rich in friends."
Throughout history, the name Austen has been associated with notable figures and families. One of the most famous bearers of this name was Jane Austen, the renowned English novelist who wrote classic works such as "Pride and Prejudice" and "Emma." Born in 1775, Austen was known for her wit, social commentary, and exploration of themes such as marriage, reputation, and class.
The name Austen has also been associated with other notable figures throughout history, including Austen Chamberlain, a British statesman who served as Chancellor of the Exchequer between 1903 and 1905, and Austen Leigh, an English clergyman and writer who was a cousin of Jane Austen.
Today, the name Austen continues to be used as a given name for boys and girls alike. It remains popular in countries such as England, Australia, and the United States, where it is often spelled with one "t" instead of two. Regardless of its spelling or gender, the name Austen retains its connection to its English roots and its association with notable historical figures.
"The name Austen appears to have had a fluctuating popularity over the years in the United States. In the early 1990s, it was relatively uncommon, with only five babies being named Austen in 1990. However, its popularity seemed to grow slightly in the mid-1990s, with six births recorded in both 1994 and 1995. This trend continued into 1996, with seven babies named Austen that year.
Interestingly, the name Austen's popularity peaked at the end of the decade, with ten births recorded in both 1997 and 1999. However, it seems that this increase was short-lived, as only five births were recorded in 2002.
Overall, from 1990 to 2002, there were a total of 49 babies named Austen born in the United States."