Gustav

boySwedishChristian

Gustav is a Christian boy name of Swedish, of uncertain origin origin, meaning “Possibly 'staff of the Geats'”.

MeaningPossibly 'staff of the Geats'
GenderBoy
OriginSwedish, of uncertain origin
PronunciationGOOS-tahv
TraditionChristian
Used inSweden, Germany, Denmark, Norway

Meaning and origin of Gustav

Gustav is a Swedish name of uncertain origin. It is often explained from the Old Norse Gautr, 'a Geat' (a Swedish people), or gud, 'god', with stafr, 'staff', giving 'staff of the Geats' or 'staff of the gods'; other derivations have been suggested. Gustav Vasa, who founded the modern Swedish state in the sixteenth century, and later kings, including Gustavus Adolphus, made it a royal name. The composer Gustav Mahler is a well-known bearer.

Is Gustav a Christian name?

Gustav has no particular religious meaning, though the Swedish king Gustavus Adolphus was a great Protestant leader in the Thirty Years' War.

How popular is Gustav?

Revived in recent decades in Scandinavia and Germany.

Gifts with the name Gustav

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Spellings and variants of Gustav

GustafGustaveGustavoGösta

Names similar to Gustav

OskarAxelOlofLudvig

More Christian boy names

Frequently asked questions

What does the name Gustav mean?

Gustav means 'Possibly 'staff of the Geats''. It is of Swedish, of uncertain origin origin.

Is Gustav a Christian name?

Gustav has no particular religious meaning, though the Swedish king Gustavus Adolphus was a great Protestant leader in the Thirty Years' War.

How do you pronounce Gustav?

Gustav is pronounced GOOS-tahv.

Is Gustav a boy or girl name?

Gustav is usually a boy name.

Updated October 2026. Spotted a mistake? Tell us.