Magnus
Magnus: name meaning, origin and popularity
Pronunciation (IPA): /ˈmæɡnəs/ · /ˈmeɪ̯ɡnəs/
Meaning and origin of Magnus
Root meaning: “great”
- A male given name from Latin of mostly Scottish and Scandinavian usage.
Etymology
Borrowed from Latin magnus (“great”), taken from the title of Carolus Magnus "Charlemagne" by an eleventh century king of Norway, and brought to Scotland in medieval times.
How popular is Magnus?
Since 1880, 6,172 boys in the U.S. have been named Magnus. Its highest rank for boys was #719 in 2017. In 2025 it ranked #765 for boys, with 337 babies given the name.
More Latin boy names
Sibling name ideas for Magnus
Sister and brother names that share Magnus's Latin roots and are still in the U.S. top 1,000.
Magnus FAQ
What does the name Magnus mean?
Magnus traces back to a root meaning "great". A male given name from Latin of mostly Scottish and Scandinavian usage. Borrowed from Latin magnus (“great”), taken from the title of Carolus Magnus "Charlemagne" by an eleventh century king of Norway, and brought to Scotland in medieval times.
What is the origin of the name Magnus?
Magnus is listed as a name of Latin origin.
How popular is the name Magnus?
Since 1880, 6,172 boys in the U.S. have been named Magnus. Its highest rank for boys was #719 in 2017. In 2025 it ranked #765 for boys, with 337 babies given the name.
Is Magnus a boy or girl name?
Magnus is mostly a boy name in the U.S.: 0 girls and 6,172 boys since 1880.
Popularity data: U.S. Social Security Administration baby name data, 1880–2025 (names given to 5+ babies per year). Origin and etymology text: Wiktionary, available under CC BY-SA 4.0.