Do You Love the Nickname Gus? These Names Will Get You There!

Are you a fan of the nickname Gus? It’s a truly wonderful appellation that is completely approachable and warm. For many parents, the nickname is a winner but its father names like August, Augustus, and Augustine prove too stuffy and unattractive. You do have options, however, that include just going ahead and giving your son the name Gus which is on the rise today and will likely be in the US top 1000 most popular names for boys by next year.

Another way to go is to choose a substantial and established name that also gives you the Gus nickname. Yes, there are options other than August, Augustus, and Augustine. If you are interested in finding a more unique appellation for your child that results in the Gus nickname, take a look at our inspired finds below!

Zygus

Let’s kick things off with a zesty one. You might be familiar with this extremely rare name of ancient Greek origin if you are a fan of astrology as the word names the constellation of Libra. Zygus is derived from a Greek root that means “balance beam.”

Vegas

A handful of children are given the name Vegas in the US each year. Its association with Las Vegas has mostly hurt the potential for this amazing name of Spanish origin that means “meadows.” It’s an unconventional route to get you to Gus but the sound is right there.

Mingus

Music icon baby names like Bowie, Ziggy, and Lennon are extremely fashionable these days. Mingus could join this class of names as a celebration and tribute to the jazz legend Charles Mingus. The name is of Scottish origin (a form of Menzies) and means “tenants of a manor.”

Marcus

The classic Roman name gets a fresh look when used as a vehicle to get you to the Gus nickname. If you think that it is a stretch, just consider the Estonian form of this appellation, Margus. The Latin root of this name means “warlike.”

Magnus

Magnus is a Scandinavian from Latin that means “greatest.” The name dates back to Charlemagne being given the honorific of Carolus Magnus, or Charles the Great. The name emerged as a popular choice for boys in the US in 2013 and it has been climbing ever since.

Gustav

Gustav was once a popular name in the US until it fell from fashion by the 1930s. Today, it’s most popular in Sweden, Germany, and Norway. The appellation is Teutonic in origin and means “staff of the Goths.” Gustav is a more straightforward path to Gus than Magnus or Marcus. In fact, it’s front and center.

Gust

If you pronounce the name Gust with an English accent, it sounds like a strong wind. But, the name is also of Dutch origin, pronounced GOOST. Gust in that context is the Dutch answer to Gus, a form of Augustus. So, this one can be a colorful nature name or a Dutch classic.

Gaston

Gaston is currently enjoying a renaissance in France today where it is a popular choice. In the US, Gaston was last popular before the 1930s. Gaston is an odd way to get to Gus but we feel that it can totally work if you are committed. The name is French from German and means “the guest” or “the foreigner.”

Gaius

Pronounced GUY-us, Gaius was a name applied to countless ancient Romans including Julius Caesar. The name means “to rejoice.” This appellation has the potential to join the ranks of other ancient names from Latin that parents have brought back like Atticus or Cassius. Just erase the A and the I from this name and you’ve got Gus.

Gaspar

Gaspar is much more popular in Europe than it is in the US. The name is a Spanish form of Casper or Jasper, meaning “bringer of treasure.” Gaspar marks an interesting route to get you to Gus but it could be the right kind of offbeat for your family.

Finegas

Pronounced FINN-uh-gus, Finegas is a name from Irish mythology. Finegas was an elderly druid who taught the Irish national hero Finn McCool. The name is taken to mean “blessed poet” or “blessed scholar” or “blessed seer.” It’s got that -gus ending making it a shoo-in for the nickname.

Fergus

Fergus is an ancient name found in both Irish and Scottish naming traditions. You rarely hear the name outside of the UK and the Republic of Ireland and that is such a total shame. Fergus means “man of force.”

Constantine

Stay with us, folks! On its face, it would seem that Gus has no relation to the Latin name Constantine. However, you need to look to its Greek form, Kostas, a short form of Konstantinos. Often, Gus is used as a nickname in the Greek community for it. The name’s root means “steadfast.”

Angus

Angus is an Anglicized form of a Gaelic name that means “one strength.” The name is popular in Scotland and Australia today but is underutilized elsewhere. The name was once popular in the US prior to the 1950s when it fizzled out. It’s an excellent vehicle to get you to Gus as it is familiar to most but simply not put on many birth certificates today.

Agastya

An Indian name that is rising fast in the US, Agastya was given to 119 boys in 2021, the highest number ever. Agastya was a legendary Hindu sage and is the Indian name for the star Canopus. The Sanskrit origin of this name gives its meaning, “mountain thrower.”

There you go! We hope you enjoyed these unique names that will give you the Gus nickname. Some stretch the possibility while others are solid ways for you to give this nickname. If you would like to learn about even more nicknames and unique name combinations, keep reading and we will keep them coming!

Keep Reading for Popular Nicknames for Unique Given Names.

Ace

Ace is a catch-all nickname that comes from Latin in means “one” or “expert.” Today, it is commonly used for the Hebrew name Asa but it can also be applied to Acacius, Aidan, Grayson, Horatio, and Wallace.

Albie

Albie is a nickname that is generally used for the boy name, Albert. Albert is of German origin and means “noble.” Other boy names you can consider using instead are Albus, Alban, Alberic, Athelbert, and Talbot.

Alex

Alex is a unisex nickname that is often used for Alexander steadily for decades. But there are some other boy names that you can use it for as well. Alaric, Alessandro, Alexavier, Alexei, and Alistair are all great candidates for you to consider.

Alfie

In the UK, Alfie is used as a given name so often today that it is one of the 20 most popular boy names there. American parents have yet to warm up to Alfie but we expect that to change in the coming years. Alfie is generally considered the nickname for Alfred but that’s not always true. Alfredo, Alpha, Alphonso, Balfour, and Ralph can all work with it.

Archie

We have Meghan Markle and Prince Harry to thank for making the nickname Archie a popular given name for baby boys in the US. It is considered the nickname for Archibald, a name of German origin. However, the nickname will also be short for Archer, Arshia, Larch, and Plutarch.

Art or Artie

We are huge fans of using the nickname Art on its own for a baby boy. Traditionally, it has been a short form of the Celtic name, Arthur but it’s not the only way to go. Art and Artie will also work for Aristotle, Artemas, Arthen, Bartholomew, and McArthur.

Ash

As with Art, Ash could totally work on its own. American parents are still going to with the Hebrew name Asher and calling him Ash for short. Instead of Asher, which has become a hugely popular name in the US, you can consider using Ashford, Ashok, Ashwin, Augustine, and Washington.

Ben

As mentioned, Ben is usually paired with the name of Hebrew origin, Benjamin. Benjamin is a great name that means “son of the right hand.” But, it’s one of America’s most evergreen favorites. Other names to use instead are Benedict, Benaiah, Corben, Ebenezer, and Reuben.

Bax

Bax and Baxter are both English occupational surnames, meaning “baker.” Most Baxters get the nickname Bax. However, other names that can adopt the nickname include Barrett, Barrington, Basil, Baxley, and Sebastian.

Beau or Bo

Beau as a standalone name has been on the rise in the US since the 1960s. It’s wildly popular these days. The name was originally used for the out-of-fashion name Beauregard. If you don’t want to use Beau on its own, consider using boy names, Beauden, Boaz, Bowen, Columbo, or Robert.

Cal

For decades, Cal was used as a nickname for Calvin which is of Latin origin and means “blind.” It’s not the greatest meaning for a name. Therefore, you might make you want to look for alternatives. Cal has been increasingly used for the Scottish name Callum, as that name has been on the rise. Other boy names worth considering are Calder, Callahan, Calixto, Macallister, and Pascal.

Cam

The Scottish name, Cameron, is a great unisex option and it is the boy name most associated with the nickname Cam. There are other directions you can go if Cameron does not have that special ring for you. Other possible boy names to use are Callum, Camillo, Camber, Campbell, and Sycamore.

Casey

Casey is less of a nickname, and instead, is a standalone, unisex appellation of Irish origin that means “brave in battle.” If you want to use Casey as a nickname, you have got some great options. It will work for Casimir, Caspian, Cassius, Kayson, and Nicasius.

Charlie

Charlie is a shortened form of the French/English name Charles. It’s been a top-500 standalone choice in the US since records have been kept starting in 1880. If you want to use Charlie as a nickname (it’s a great unisex choice) the boy names you should consider are Carlo, Calloway, Charlemagne, Charleston, and Charlton.

Cory

Cory is another one of the standalone boy names. It is of Irish origin and means “from the hollow.” Technically, it is a shortened form of the traditional spelling, Corey. Cory also works as a nickname for the following rare boy names, Corbin, Corentin, Cormac, Courtland, and Scorpio.

Dash

Dash is a fun nickname that is associated with Dashiell. While that is a beautiful name, you might like the expediency of Dash as a nickname for Darius, Dashworth, Davies, Dawson, and Tadashi.

Dexter

Dex has been traditionally reserved for Dexter, a name of Latin origin that means “dyer” or “right-handed.” Other boy names to use with this nickname include Decker, Declan, Derek, Destry, and Maddex. With the huge popularity of the name Declan, you might be looking for nicknames, Dex just fits.

Eddie

Edward is one of America’s favorite boy names but it’s been on a slow decline for decades. If you think Edward is not to your tastes but love the nickname Eddie, you are not alone! Parents are choosing these rarer names to use instead: Edison, Edmund, Frederick, Kindred, and Obed.

Eli

Eli is a popular standalone name of Jewish origin that means “ascended.” It is also associated with Elijah as a shortened form (though they are two totally different appellations). Eli also works as a short form for boy names like Eleazar, Elijay, Elio, Ellery, and Elliot.

Ford

Ford is a name in its own right. It is a habitational English name that means “dweller of the ford.” But, Ford can play its part as a nickname as well. Ford can be short for Ashford, Clifford, Rutherford, Stanford, and Trafford.

Fred

Fred is a nickname that has traditionally been in use for the Fredericks of the world. Frederick is a name of German origin that means “peaceful ruler.” You can go in that direction or choose from some other boy names that the nickname works for. Alfred, Farid, Federico, Fredricksen, and Wilfred are all possibilities.

Gus

One of the best nicknames on the planet, Gus, is considered a nickname for Augustus. Today, August is trending and we imagine it will be used for a great many of the babies given the name. Gus can also be applied to some rarer boy names like Angus, Argus, Constantine, Fergus, and Gustav.

Hal

Hal is one of those nicknames that really feels like a retro gem. As names like Harold and Henry have been on the decline (less so for the evergreen name like Henry), we are hearing less and less of this treasured nickname. If you want to bring Hal back, consider rarer boy names like Cathal, Halloran, Harris, Harrison, and Marshall.

Jax

Jax first entered the US top-1000 baby names in 2005. It’s enjoyed a meteoric rise. The name is technically not a standalone name. It is a short form of Jackson in most cases. If you’re looking for other names to get you to this butch and fun nickname, consider Ajax, Jacinto, Jackman, Jacoby, and Jasper.

Joe

Up until Joe Biden became Vice President, Joe was an extremely popular option as a standalone name in the US. As with any name that becomes associated with a high-profile politician, Joe’s popularity plummeted (this is true for other names like Donald and Hillary which both became too politically charged for some). If you still like the appeal of the nickname Joe you don’t have to use Joseph. Banjo, Joachim, Jolyon, Jonas, and Josiah are also great candidates, pun intended.

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Leo

Traditionally, Leo has been a nickname for Leonardo but the name is a standalone option of Latinate origin that means “lion.” It is so popular today that it is a top 50 name for boys! If you prefer to use it as a nickname, there are some rare boy names out there that it will also be a great short form of including Achilleo, Galileo, Leonidas, Leopold, and Napoleon.

Luke

Another standalone name to land in the top 50 most popular boy names today, Luke is a solid option. You might not be aware but Luke can be used as a nickname as well and the unique appellations it can be short for are Gianluca, Lucien, Luckson, Lucretius, and Ludovic.

Mac or Mack

As a given name, Mack is on the rise once more after falling from fashion. The name is of Scottish or Irish origin and means “son of.” There are tons of Scottish and Irish names that start with Mack, most commonly it is seen used as a short form of the unisex name Mackenzie. But, Mack or Mac can be used for rare boy names like Cormac, McCoy, Macon, Makaio, and Malachi.

Max

Max is derived from Maximilian, a Latin name that originated from the Roman family name, Maximus. While those appellations are fantastic, you might be looking for something a bit more colorful. Other options available to you include Lomax, Macsen, Maddox, Makaio, and Marcus.

Nate

Not just for Nathan, Nate is a cherished nickname that any baby boy would be lucky to get. Other boy names that Nate will work for as a nickname are Anatole, Ignatius, Jonathan, Natan, and Renato.

Ned

Ned has long been an English short form of Edward. If you’re not a fan of Eddie, Ned could be the right direction for you to go in. Other names that Ned is also a nickname for include Benedict, Edmund, Kennedy, Nehemiah, and Zinedine.

Nick or Nico

There are so many boy names out there that are derived from the Greek name, Nicholas. The root of the name means “people of victory” which feels rather winning. If Nicholas is not doing it for you, other names to get you to Nick or even the delightful Nico include Dominic, Finnick, Nicanor, Nicasio, and Nicodemus.

Ollie

Ollie is the main nickname for Oliver which is one of America’s current favorite boy names. Ollie was a popular given name here until the 1970s. Ollie can also be applied as a nickname for rarer options like Apollo, Aurelius, Oleander, Olek, and Olimpio.

Oz or Ozzie

Oswald might not be your cup of tea and you are in luck because Oz or Ozzie will work for a variety of other boy names. There is no denying the cuteness that both of these nicknames hold! Other possibilities include Ocean, Octavius, Oisin, Oscar, and Oswin.

Ray

Unfortunately, Ray as a given name has plummeted in popularity over the last three decades. It is at its lowest point of popularity in US history. That could mean a golden opportunity for you to use it as a nickname for one of the following boy names: Graham, Moray, Raphael, Reign, and Thackeray.

Remy

Remy is a charming French name that is derived from a Latin root that means “oarsman.” Remy is also commonly used as a nickname for Remington. But, that’s not the only vehicle to get you to a Remy nickname. Other options are Ephrem, Jeremiah, Jeremy, Rembrandt, and Tremaine.

Rob

Robert is one of the most popular names in the English-speaking world. It also gives you the wonderful nickname Rob. Despite what you may think, there are actually other names that the nickname can work for. Nairobi, Robin, Robinson, Robley, and Ruben can all withstand a Rob nickname.

Ron or Ronnie

Good old Ron fell from fashion as a given name in the US by the 1990s. We still have a soft spot for this one. Ronald is a name of Norse origin that means “ruler’s counsel.” If Ronald is not a good fit for your family you have options. Aaron, Byron, Geronimo, Roland, and Rowan.

Sam

Tried and true Samuel is a warm and cherished name of Hebrew origin that means “told by God.” The name has a lot going for it but unique is not one of them. Some other options that will give you a Sam nickname are Essam, Isambard, Salman, Samson, and Samwell.

Sasha

Sasha is a Russian short form of Alexander. Luckily, there are many forms of Alexander in use, and other names that this darling nickname can be applied to. Try Alessandro, Lysander, Salvator, Sebastian, and Saunders on for size!

Teddy

How cute is the nickname Teddy? We can think of nothing more gentle. Teddy is of course a short form of Theodore but it’s not the only option available for parents who want this prized nickname. Armistead, Edwin, Tedric, Thaddeus, and Theodotus will all get you there.

Teo

Teo is the Latinate answer to Teddy, a Spanish form of the name Theodore. If Teodoro is not the right name for your baby boy, there are other boy names that give you this blissful nickname. Give Aristeo, Dante, Meteor, Teodoro, and Timoteo a shot.

Theo

It’s kind of wild how many nicknames are derived and associated with the name Theodore. Theo is another such option and of the three, Teddy, Teo, and Theo, Theo is the most popular nickname in America today. In fact, it’s popular as a given name in its own right. Other names that can take a Theo nickname are Matheo, Theoden, Theodoric, Theophilus, and Thierry.

Toby

Toby, considered a derivative form of Tobias, saw its most popular year as a given name in the US in 1975. It’s been flying under the radar since then and will make for an excellent nickname for Cristobal, October, Oluwatobiloba, Tobin, and Tobiah.

Tom or Tommy

Thomas and its many forms are some of the most popular names in the Western world. It is so popular that nicknames like Tom and Tommy have flourished in the US for decades. Thomas is not the only way to go. Other boy names to consider are Atom, Bartholomew, Ptolemy, Thompson, and Tomek.

Ty

Ty, on its own, is a fairly popular given name today. It is a nickname for a bunch of names that start with Ty and for many, the one that stands out most is Tyler. Tyler has started to fade as a popular choice for boys and you might be looking for something fresher. Matthias, Tiberius, Tiger, Titus, and Tycho can all give you this simple yet stunning nickname.

Wes

Wes is a short form of the English habitational name, Wesley, which means “Western meadow.” Wes is as classic as it gets when it comes to a nickname but the name it is short for does not have to be. Choose more colorful boy names like Waylon, Webster, Wellesley, Westley, and Weston instead.

Will

Who could be mad at the nickname Will? It is a short form of William for most but that does not always have to be the case. Other possibilities include Fitzwilliam, Wilder, Willis, Willoughby, and Wilmot. Those are some truly fabulous options!

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Zack

Zack is most commonly associated with Zachary and Zachariah. Both of those appellations are fantastic and no one could fault you for choosing those classics. However, you can have more fun with Balzac, Isaac, Zacharias, Zako, and Zakkai. Those are not run-of-the-mill names!