Etymology Map
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August

3 stages from Latin to English.

Today it means inspiring respect

Where does the word "august" come from? It comes from Latin augustus, passing through French before entering English (1660s).

1
Stage 1 of 3
augustus
Latin · ancient
"venerable, majestic"
from 'augere', to increase; the title given to Octavian in 27 BC
2
Stage 2 of 3
auguste
French · 1500s
"majestic"
French 'auguste' is recorded from 1407; the Latin source may originally have meant 'consecrated by augurs'
3
Stage 3 of 3
august
English · 1660s
"majestic"
the month August is named after the emperor
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Read the full story

August’s story begins in Latin: augustus meant “venerable, majestic.” From 'augere', to increase; the title given to Octavian in 27 BC. By 1500s, the word had taken hold in French as auguste. French 'auguste' is recorded from 1407; the Latin source may originally have meant 'consecrated by augurs'. It reached English by 1660s as august. The month August is named after the emperor. Today, august means inspiring respect.