Rustin

Rustin is a masculine name with Anglo-Saxon origins, derived from the Old English word "rust" (meaning reddish-brown) or possibly as a variation of the surname Ruston, which referred to someone from a town with rushes. The name gained some recognition through American civil rights leader Bayard Rustin. While not among the most common first names in the United States, Rustin has a distinctive quality that appeals to parents seeking something uncommon yet accessible. It carries connotations of strength and individuality, with a vintage charm that fits modern naming trends favoring surnames as first names. The name has remained relatively stable in usage without experiencing dramatic peaks or declines in popularity.

Pronounced RUS-tin.

As of October 2026, Rustin ranked #2280 in US births in 2025 SSA, peaked at #951 in 1979.