The given name Octavius has its origins in ancient Rome and the Latin language. It derives from the Latin word "octavus" which means "eighth". The name is believed to have originally referred to a child who was the eighth born in their family.

During the Roman Republic and early Roman Empire periods, Octavius was a reasonably common praenomen or personal name among Roman men, particularly those from wealthy patrician families. One of the most famous historical figures to bear this name was Gaius Octavius, who later became the first Roman emperor after taking the name Augustus Caesar.

Prior to becoming emperor, Octavius was the name used by the grand-nephew and adopted son of Julius Caesar. After defeating Mark Antony and Cleopatra, he was awarded the title of Augustus in 27 BC by the Roman Senate. As Augustus, he ushered in the Pax Romana, a long period of stability and prosperity in the Roman world.

Another notable historical figure named Octavius was Marcus Octavius Herrenus, a Roman poet and playwright who lived during the 1st century BC. While little of his work survives today, he was praised by ancient scholars like Varro for his innovative style and command of language.

During the Middle Ages and Renaissance periods, the name Octavius saw limited use across Europe, likely due to its pagan Roman origins. However, it experienced a modest revival in the 18th and 19th centuries, particularly among educated classes fascinated by classical antiquity.

One prominent 18th century individual named Octavius was Sir Octavius Maskew, an English baronet and landowner who served as High Sheriff of Bedfordshire in 1771. In the 19th century, Octavius Wigram was a Church of England clergyman and influential educator who established several schools in England and India.

Octavius Hadfield was a 19th century English architect and surveyor best known for his designs of churches, schools, and public buildings across the Midlands region. Another Octavius from this era was Octavius Oakley, an English landscape painter celebrated for his vivid depictions of rural scenes and natural settings.