boy name · Norse origin
Magnus
/ MAG-nus /
Meaning
Magnus means Great (Norse).
Gender
Boy
Origin
Norse
Pronunciation
MAG-nus
Popularity
#765 · U.S. boys (2025)
Popularity of Magnus in the US, 1880–2025
Magnus first appears in US records in 1890. It peaked in 2021, when 354 boys were given the name; in 2025 there were 337.
Source: US Social Security Administration.
What does Magnus mean?
Magnus comes from the Latin for “great,” long popular across Scandinavia.
Frequently asked questions
What does the name Magnus mean?
Magnus means Great. Magnus comes from the Latin for “great,” long popular across Scandinavia.
What is the origin of the name Magnus?
Magnus is of Norse origin.
How do you pronounce Magnus?
Magnus is pronounced “MAG-nus.”
Is Magnus a boy or a girl name?
Magnus is most commonly used as a boy name.
How popular is the name Magnus?
In 2025, Magnus ranked #765 among boys’ names in the United States, according to U.S. Social Security Administration data.
When was the name Magnus most popular?
Magnus was most popular in 2021, when about 354 US babies were given the name that year, according to US Social Security Administration records.