Erastus
From Ancient Greek Ἔραστος (Érastos), from ἐραστός (erastós, “lovable”).
Every Erastus since 1880 — 407 of them. Popularity, births, and rankings for each year, from official Social Security records.
The story of Erastus
Erastus is not currently in use for newborns in the United States — fewer than five babies received the name in 2025. Its story lives in the historical record below.
Since 1880, 407 American babies have been named Erastus. Its peak came in 1916, when 23 newborns received the name — the signature sound of the 1910s.
The chart above shows the full history: the popularity view (births per 1,000 babies) is the honest comparison across generations, since total US births have changed enormously since 1880. Switch to the rank view to see where Erastus stood among all boys' names in any year, or use the compare tool to plot it against other names.
Erastus year by year
Every year since 2001, and five-year steps back to 1880. Rank is within each sex.
| Year | Boys | Boys rank |
|---|---|---|
| 2025 | — | — |
| 2024 | — | — |
| 2023 | — | — |
| 2022 | — | — |
| 2021 | — | — |
| 2020 | — | — |
| 2019 | — | — |
| 2018 | — | — |
| 2017 | — | — |
| 2016 | — | — |
| 2015 | — | — |
| 2014 | — | — |
| 2013 | — | — |
| 2012 | — | — |
| 2011 | — | — |
| 2010 | — | — |
| 2009 | — | — |
| 2008 | — | — |
| 2007 | — | — |
| 2006 | — | — |
| 2005 | — | — |
| 2004 | — | — |
| 2003 | — | — |
| 2002 | — | — |
| 2001 | — | — |
| 2000 | — | — |
| 1995 | — | — |
| 1990 | — | — |
| 1985 | — | — |
| 1980 | — | — |
| 1975 | — | — |
| 1970 | — | — |
| 1965 | — | — |
| 1960 | — | — |
| 1955 | — | — |
| 1950 | — | — |
| 1945 | — | — |
| 1940 | — | — |
| 1935 | — | — |
| 1930 | 6 | #3,712 |
| 1925 | 8 | #3,226 |
| 1920 | 10 | #2,833 |
| 1915 | 21 | #1,519 |
| 1910 | — | — |
| 1905 | — | — |
| 1900 | 5 | #1,378 |
| 1895 | — | — |
| 1890 | — | — |
| 1885 | 15 | #487 |
| 1880 | 19 | #394 |
Frequently asked questions
What does the name Erastus mean?
From Ancient Greek Ἔραστος (Érastos), from ἐραστός (erastós, “lovable”).
How popular is the name Erastus in 2025?
Erastus did not appear in the 2025 Social Security data, which means fewer than five babies received the name that year.
How many people are named Erastus?
407 babies have been named Erastus in the United States since 1880, based on Social Security card applications.
When was the name Erastus most popular?
Erastus peaked in 1916, when 23 newborns received the name.
Is Erastus a boy or girl name?
Erastus is overwhelmingly a boy's name — 100% of babies with the name.
Is the name Erastus rising or falling?
Erastus has been roughly stable over the past decade.