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Austen Name Meaning

Introduction

Choosing a name for your child is a big decision. You want a name that is unique, meaningful, and has a positive association. One name that has been growing in popularity in recent years is Austen. This English name has literary roots and a rich history. In this article, we will explore the meaning and history of the name Austen, as well as its popularity and variations.

Meaning and Origin of the Name Austen

The name Austen is of English origin and means 'great, magnificent'. It is a variant of the name Austin, which is derived from the Latin name Augustus. Augustus was a title given to Roman emperors, and it means 'great' or 'venerable'. The name Augustus was also used in the Middle Ages as a given name, and it eventually evolved into the name Austin. The spelling of Austen with an 'e' is a variation that became popular in the 19th century.

Famous People with the Name Austen

One of the most famous people with the name Austen is the English author Jane Austen. She is known for her novels, such as Pride and Prejudice and Sense and Sensibility, which are still popular today. Jane Austen lived in the late 18th and early 19th centuries, and her works are considered classics of English literature. Another famous person with the name Austen is the American actor and director Sean Austen. He is known for his roles in films such as Rudy and The Goonies.

Popularity of the Name Austen

The name Austen has been growing in popularity in recent years. According to the Social Security Administration, the name Austen was ranked #676 in popularity for boys in 2020, and #1,333 for girls. The name has been more popular for boys than girls, but it is still considered a unisex name. The popularity of the name Austen may be due in part to the popularity of the author Jane Austen, as well as the trend of using literary names for babies.

Variations of the Name Austen

There are several variations of the name Austen, including Austin, Augustus, and Augustine. The name Austin is the most common variation, and it has been a popular name for boys in the United States since the 1980s. Other variations of the name Austen include Austyn, Auston, and Austine. These variations are less common, but they are still used as given names.

Famous Characters with the Name Austen

In addition to famous people with the name Austen, there are also several fictional characters with the name. One of the most famous is Mr. Darcy from Jane Austen's novel Pride and Prejudice. Mr. Darcy is a wealthy and proud gentleman who falls in love with the protagonist, Elizabeth Bennet. Another famous fictional character with the name Austen is Austen Clarke from the novel Mansfield Park by Jane Austen. Austen Clarke is a friend of the protagonist, Fanny Price, and he is known for his kindness and good nature.

Conclusion

The name Austen is a popular English name with literary roots. It means 'great, magnificent' and is a variant of the name Austin. The name has been growing in popularity in recent years, and it is considered a unisex name. There are several variations of the name, including Austin, Augustus, and Augustine. Famous people with the name Austen include the author Jane Austen and the actor Sean Austen, while famous fictional characters with the name include Mr. Darcy and Austen Clarke. If you are looking for a unique and meaningful name for your child, Austen is definitely worth considering.