Rastus

Rastus is a male name that originated as a diminutive of Erastus, which comes from Greek meaning "beloved" or "lovely." However, it's important to note that during the 19th and 20th centuries, this name became problematically associated with racist caricatures and stereotypes of Black men in American minstrel shows and popular culture. Due to this harmful historical context, the name fell sharply from use and is now extremely rare. The name's earlier legitimate origins as a shortening of the biblical name Erastus (mentioned in the New Testament as a companion of Paul) have been overshadowed by its later negative associations. Because of its complicated history, it's generally avoided in contemporary naming practices.

Pronounced RAS-tus.

As of October 2026, Rastus ranked #4100 in US births in 1934 SSA, peaked at #1038 in 1887.