Find out how popular the first name Magnus has been for the last 46 years (from 1978 to 2023) and learn more about the meaning and history.

Popularity of Magnus by gender

Based on the last 46 years of data, Magnus is exclusively a male name.

For the most recent data in 2023, there were 334 male babies and 0 female babies born with the name Magnus.

The history of the first name Magnus

The name Magnus is derived from the Latin word "magnus" meaning "great" or "mighty." It has its roots in ancient Roman culture, where it was used as a cognomen or nickname to describe someone of significant stature or achievement.

The earliest recorded use of Magnus as a given name dates back to the 4th century AD, when it was borne by a Roman military commander named Magnus Maximus, who briefly ruled as the Western Roman Emperor from 383 to 388 AD. This early association with military prowess and leadership likely contributed to the name's enduring popularity.

In the Middle Ages, Magnus became a common name among Scandinavian and Germanic populations, particularly in Norway and Sweden. It was often given to children with the hope that they would grow to embody the qualities of greatness and strength implied by the name's meaning.

One of the most notable historical figures bearing the name Magnus was Magnus the Good, the King of Norway from 1035 to 1047. He played a significant role in the consolidation of Christianity in Norway and was renowned for his efforts to establish a code of laws and promote peace and stability in the region.

Another prominent Magnus was Magnus Erlendsson, an Icelandic chieftain and lawspeaker in the 12th century. He is celebrated in the Icelandic sagas for his wisdom, eloquence, and leadership during a time of political turmoil in the country.

In the 13th century, Magnus VI of Norway, also known as Magnus the Lawmender, was a respected king who sought to reform and codify Norwegian law. His reign from 1263 to 1280 was marked by efforts to strengthen the monarchy and establish a more centralized system of governance.

The name Magnus also found its way into the world of science and philosophy. Magnus Aurelius, a Roman emperor and Stoic philosopher who ruled from 161 to 180 AD, is renowned for his philosophical writings, including the famous "Meditations."

Throughout history, the name Magnus has been associated with individuals of great achievement, power, and influence, reflecting the aspirations and values of the cultures that embraced it.

Data source

The first name data used on this page comes from the Social Security Administration (SSA). They've been collecting data on baby names since 1880.

The history and meaning of the name Magnus was researched and written by our team of onomatology and genealogy experts.

If you have a correction or suggestion to improve the history of Magnus, please contact us.

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