Names that Peaked in 1897

Gussie is traditionally a masculine nickname that originated as a diminutive for names like Augustus, Augustine, or Gustav. These parent names have Latin and Germanic roots meaning "revered," "great," or "staff of the Goths." Gussie was fairly common in the late 19th and early 20th centuries, particularly in the southern United States, giving it a vintage, folksy charm. While primarily used for boys historically, it occasionally appeared as a nickname for girls named Augusta or Augustine as well. The name declined in popularity after the 1920s but retains nostalgic appeal. Gussie exemplifies the trend of reviving antique nickname-names as formal names, appealing to parents drawn to names with historical character and unpretentious warmth.