August

Exalted; venerable.

August is a name with Latin roots, carrying the sense of “exalted” or “venerable” through Augustus. It is established as a masculine name in German and Scandinavian naming traditions, and is also used in English. The calendar connection is real, but it is not the whole story. English August can be chosen from the month name, which itself honours the emperor Augustus. The personal name therefore has a history beyond a birth month; a family may value the Roman connection, the calendar association or simply the sound. Its opening vowel and firm -st ending give August a composed, substantial feel. German stresses the first syllable of the personal name, unlike the month. English also places the stress first, but uses different vowels: that change is worth hearing if both languages are part of everyday life.

Etymology: A form of the Latin name Augustus, an honorific associated with Roman emperors. English use can also come from the month, named for Augustus.