Magnus
How to say it: MAG-nus · /ˈmæɡnəs/
From Latin 'magnus' meaning 'great'; popularized in Scandinavia via medieval kings.
Magnus was the 713th most popular boys’ name in the United States in 2025, given to 337 babies (Social Security Administration). The 2020s are its busiest decade so far, its births are up about 28% in ten years, and it is projected to rise to #661 by 2030.
Updated · SSA 2025 data, published May 2026 · Insee 2025 data, published July 2026 · How we compute these figures
Key facts
| Rank among boys’ names, 2025 | #713 |
|---|---|
| Babies born in 2025 | 337 |
| Share of births | 1 in 9,837 |
| Peak decade | 2020s |
| Change over 10 years | +28% |
| Projected rank for 2030 (estimate) | #661 |
| In France, 2025 | #1,330 among boys’ names, 15 births |
Sources: Social Security Administration (SSA), Insee (France). How we compute these figures.
Its life, decade by decade
This decade has been the best yet for Magnus, which keeps climbing. Still at its peak in the 2020s, it looks ready to rise further.
What goes with it
Gruff and resonant with a breathy close, Magnus feels strong and weighty. Gunnar makes a natural companion.
In the classroom
In a class of 25 children born in 2025, the chance that another child is called Magnus is about under 1 in 200.
Around the world
This spelling is used in Danish, Dutch, English, Finnish, French, German, Norwegian, Swedish.
In France: #1,330 for boys in 2025.
England and Wales: #434.
Famous people named Magnus
- Magnus Carlsen (born 1990)Norwegian chess player
- Magnus Hirschfeld (1868–1935)German physician and sexologist
- Magnus the Good (1024–1047)King of Norway and Denmark
From Wikidata and Wikipedia
Keep exploring
About as popular as Magnus
Find names you'll both love, starting with Magnus
The one-minute style quiz.