Poll: Augustus or Julius

SharpGoldWriter · 2026-03-18T01:39:32+00:00

Of course we'll end up with the name we love but it is helpful/interesting to see whether there's an overwhelming majority preference!

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Yuasa · 19/03/2026 18:07

Calliopespa · 19/03/2026 13:52

I actually had a massive schoolgirl crush on Augustus! Very disappointed when I saw his statue in the Vatican museums as it looked like Mr Humphries on "Are You Being Served." Not what I had imagined at all ... but then I suppose one has to find a way to engage with Classical Studies on a Thursday afternoon!

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Oh, I think there are some statues where he looks pretty good. I’m sure he’s been inspiring crushes across the millennia! Doesn’t make up for the rest of it, however.

Whosthetabbynow · 19/03/2026 16:24

“Friends, Romans, countrymen; lend me your ears” springs to mind

IHopeYouStepOnALegPiece · 19/03/2026 16:20

I've written on your other thread about my experience with a Julius (I like the name a lot tbh, its cool but not ridiculous (and god knows there's enough Jacks, Noahs and Olivers...)

I have a friend with an Augustus who is now 17 and aside from people rarely calling him by his name especially in the last 2y, he is Gus or Auggie regardless of how he's introduced himself, I think its a great name! Augustus Gloop as a name went a bit nuts when they read Charlie and the Chocolate factory at school but as a hugely confident kid, he embraced it and had the most excellent World Book day costume that year. Its a great name (admittedly I also like then nicknames which may not be the vibe you want!) and my preferred of the 2 (whilst liking Julius also!)

Calliopespa · 19/03/2026 13:52

Yuasa · 19/03/2026 13:06

It’s the historical figures that would put me off these names, especially Augustus. I can’t imagine anyone would be in favour after reading about his brutal rise to the top or the megalomaniac origins of that name! I just think of a ruthless and controlling individual.

Shame as I otherwise like it as a name.

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I actually had a massive schoolgirl crush on Augustus! Very disappointed when I saw his statue in the Vatican museums as it looked like Mr Humphries on "Are You Being Served." Not what I had imagined at all ... but then I suppose one has to find a way to engage with Classical Studies on a Thursday afternoon!

Yuasa · 19/03/2026 13:06

Calliopespa · 18/03/2026 14:03

Really???

The low brow associations people bring to the table.

Julius effected one of the greatest ever territorial expansions in history, while Augustus initiated the Pax Romana, yet all people can think of is a Roald Dahl character and a dog harness.

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It’s the historical figures that would put me off these names, especially Augustus. I can’t imagine anyone would be in favour after reading about his brutal rise to the top or the megalomaniac origins of that name! I just think of a ruthless and controlling individual.

Shame as I otherwise like it as a name.

HugoThatway · 19/03/2026 12:54

Bellybellas · 19/03/2026 11:49

The silliness refers to your suggestion that the suggested names are only suitable ‘if your child is highly likely to be hugely talented’

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You are twisting my words and I didn't actually say "that the suggested names are only suitable ‘if your child is highly likely to be hugely talented’".

Bellybellas · 19/03/2026 11:49

HugoThatway · 19/03/2026 11:41

I live in a culturally diverse part of the world too, and many posters have mentioned Caesar and Gloop.

Why post that a comment is silly? It doesn't help me understand why you think my post silly.
A pp used Augustus John as someone with the name hence my mention of talent. Julius makes me think of John Julius Norwich.

I don't dislike either name (I really don't like Julian or August) bit they aren't in the styles of names used for babies here (and neither are Jack, Harry or Oliver).

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The silliness refers to your suggestion that the suggested names are only suitable ‘if your child is highly likely to be hugely talented’

HugoThatway · 19/03/2026 11:41

Bellybellas · 19/03/2026 07:19

What a silly comment

Op, I like both names. Like you, we live in an open minded and culturally diverse part of the world!

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I live in a culturally diverse part of the world too, and many posters have mentioned Caesar and Gloop.

Why post that a comment is silly? It doesn't help me understand why you think my post silly.
A pp used Augustus John as someone with the name hence my mention of talent. Julius makes me think of John Julius Norwich.

I don't dislike either name (I really don't like Julian or August) bit they aren't in the styles of names used for babies here (and neither are Jack, Harry or Oliver).

MonsteraDeliciosa · 19/03/2026 07:29

Not keen on Augustus because of Augustus Gloop. It’s also too much of a mouthful for a non-emperor.
I do like August, though!

Julius is great, as is Julian.

Bellybellas · 19/03/2026 07:19

HugoThatway · 18/03/2026 19:32

My apologies, @SharpGoldWriter. If your baby is highly likely to be hugely talented call him whatever you like.

What a silly comment

Op, I like both names. Like you, we live in an open minded and culturally diverse part of the world!

2Rebecca · 18/03/2026 20:53

Neither were nice men. Control freak baby here we come

shoopshoopdedoo · 18/03/2026 20:35

I don’t like either of them, but Julius would be my pick if I had to choose. Augustus is forever Gloop to me.

Original poster

SharpGoldWriter · 18/03/2026 19:40

Calliopespa · 18/03/2026 17:10

Indeed. Though I guess it will be a demographic thing.

I also expect they are more independent school type names.
I'm not sure those comments are things to shy away from: OP needs to consider where her DC will fit in.

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Definitely true to think about context, yes! With these names, he'll fit in where we are and in the schools he'll be attending. But certainly worth considering for all babies!

OP posts:

HugoThatway · 18/03/2026 19:32

My apologies, @SharpGoldWriter. If your baby is highly likely to be hugely talented call him whatever you like.

Calliopespa · 18/03/2026 19:26

SharpGoldWriter · 18/03/2026 19:22

Yikes! Big assumption and an inaccurate one! Where we live, neither Augustus nor Julius would feel even slightly out of place.

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Come on OP! His life has been mapped out by Mumsnet: no writers, no artists in his circle. So that's that.

Just ... I dunno, plumbers and accountants?

It was a massive assumption. I thought that too.🙄

I'd go for Augustus.

Original poster

SharpGoldWriter · 18/03/2026 19:22

HugoThatway · 18/03/2026 14:13

He was hugely talented and had friends with names like Virginia. OP's baby will probably be quite average and friends with names like Noah and Theo.

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Yikes! Big assumption and an inaccurate one! Where we live, neither Augustus nor Julius would feel even slightly out of place.

OP posts:

TrashHeap · 18/03/2026 19:21

If you're trying to get him bullied at school, they will both work brilliantly.

Namingbaba · 18/03/2026 19:20

I’ve never liked Julian but I think Julius is actually not bad. Paired with Augustus I think of Roman Emperors obviously but meeting a Julius Smith I think I’d quickly just see it as the person’s name and not think much of it.

Calliopespa · 18/03/2026 19:13

MrsArcher23 · 18/03/2026 17:25

In my context, I’d say neither but maybe your circle includes names like Phineas, Anselm or Sixtus. If that is the case, rock on with Roman emperors.
Augustus might be a bit common if associated with August, son of Princess Eugenie 😬 Gus is a nice nickname although I’d associate it more with Augustine. Julius is fine as long as his friends don’t christen him Julie. Don’t rule out Trajan or Vespasian though if emperors are your vibe.

As a name Vespasian is actually awesome. Just not usable as wasn;t he a persecutor? But as a sound on the ear, think it is cool.

sanityisamyth · 18/03/2026 19:11

Depends when it’s born!

pinkksugarmouse · 18/03/2026 19:11

Augustus as in Gloop? I don't like either. If you choose either please give them a decent middle name so they can ask people to use this instead.

Peanutlicious · 18/03/2026 19:05

Sorry, neither

MrsArcher23 · 18/03/2026 17:25

In my context, I’d say neither but maybe your circle includes names like Phineas, Anselm or Sixtus. If that is the case, rock on with Roman emperors.
Augustus might be a bit common if associated with August, son of Princess Eugenie 😬 Gus is a nice nickname although I’d associate it more with Augustine. Julius is fine as long as his friends don’t christen him Julie. Don’t rule out Trajan or Vespasian though if emperors are your vibe.

Calliopespa · 18/03/2026 17:10

KaleidoscopeSmile · 18/03/2026 16:56

I love the implication from the more recent posters that only the provincials (anyone outside London) will find these names not to their taste.

Indeed. Though I guess it will be a demographic thing.

I also expect they are more independent school type names.
I'm not sure those comments are things to shy away from: OP needs to consider where her DC will fit in.

mumummm · 18/03/2026 17:09

Neither, sorry