Skip Ancestry main menuMain MenuAncestry
HomeTreesSearchDNAHelpExtras
Sign In
Discover More Family Names with an Ancestry 14-day Free Trial* 
  • Support Centre
  • Ancestry Blog
  • About Us
  • Site Map
  • Gift Memberships
  • Careers
    • Ancestry Corporate
    • Fold3.com
    • ForcesWarRecords.com
    • Geneanet.org
    • Newspapers.com
    • ProGenealogists.com
    • RootsWeb.com
  • © 2002-2026 Ancestry
  • Privacy
  • Cookies
  • Terms and Conditions
  • Operated by Ancestry Ireland Unlimited Company
Group of people

Meaning of the first name Gustaf

Origin

Scandinavian

Meaning

Staff of the Goths or Royal Staff

Variations

Gustaff, Gustav, Gustaw
The name Gustaf, of Scandinavian origin, translates to Staff of the Goths or royal staff. The first component, Gust, can be traced back to the Gothic tribes of Northern Europe, while af signifies of or from in several Scandinavian languages. This name has historically been associated with nobility and leadership, capturing the rich cultural heritage of the Goths and their influence in early medieval Europe.

Gustaf has a storied history in Scandinavian royalty, notably appearing among Swedish kings. The name is particularly linked to Gustaf I, who established the modern Swedish state in the 16th century. Over the centuries, various monarchs bearing the name have contributed to the identity and governance of Sweden. Beyond the monarchy, Gustaf has been a resilient name through the ages, often symbolizing strength and leadership in a changing Europe.

In contemporary society, Gustaf continues to be a popular name in Scandinavia, reflecting cultural continuity and heritage. It remains prevalent in Sweden, where it may be spelled as Gustaf or Gustav, depending on regional preferences. The name has transcended its historical roots, appearing in various contexts, including literature, film, and the arts, suggesting a modern appeal while retaining its regal connotations. Today, Gustaf embodies both tradition and contemporary relevance, making it a name that resonates across generations.

Based on our records...

Andersson

Andersson

This is the most common surname associated with Gustaf.
Anna

Anna

This is the most common name of those married to a Gustaf.
Gustaf

Gustaf

This is the most common name for a child of a Gustaf.
Contains public sector information licensed under the Open Government Licence v3.0. - © Mapbox - © OpenStreetMap - Improve this map

What are you curious about?

Ready to learn more about your own family? Here are two ways to begin.
Start a free trial
Order AncestryDNA
calendar.webp
Based on our records...

Did you know?

1886 is when there were the most people born with the first name Gustaf.

Explore the origins of another name.