Have you ever heard someone called “Autumn” and wondered about the story behind this colorful name? Like the season itself, the name Autumn brings to mind warm sweaters, pumpkin patches, and trees dressed in red and gold.

As a baby name, Autumn has grown from a rarely-used word to a popular choice that captures the feel of crisp mornings and earlier sunsets. It’s a name with a natural charm that works well in our modern world.

Parents often choose Autumn for its warm sound, seasonal connection, and the gentle strength it carries. The name isn’t flashy or complicated – it’s simply beautiful, just like the season.

This guide looks at where the name Autumn comes from, what it means across cultures, and why so many families continue to fall in love with it today.

What does Autumn Mean & Stand for?

Autumn is a nature name that represents the beauty of the fall season. It evokes a calm, reflective, and artistic spirit.

Attribute	Details
Meaning	Season of fall, harvest time
Gender	Primarily female
Pronunciation	AW-tum
Religion	Neutral/non-religious
Origin	Latin
Lucky Number	3,7
Syllables	2 (Au-tumn)
Ease of Pronunciation	Easy
Nicknames	Autie, Tum, Auttie

Origin & History of the Name Autumn

The name Autumn traces back to the Latin word “autumnus,” which meant the season after summer. While people have been enjoying the season for centuries, using Autumn as a baby name is actually a pretty recent trend.

Nature names only began catching on in the English-speaking world during the 1960s and 70s. Before that time, Autumn was rarely heard as a person’s name.

The name started gaining real momentum in the 1990s, when parents began looking beyond traditional options for something with natural meaning and a pleasing sound.

How Popular is the Name Autumn?

The name Autumn has been steadily climbing the baby name charts since the 1970s, when parents began looking beyond traditional options for something with natural appeal.

Autumn reached its peak in the early 2000s, landing in the top 100 names for girls in the United States. It hit its highest point in 2002 when it ranked #74 on the Social Security Administration’s list.

Popularity Chart (US Trends)

The name Autumn has seen interesting shifts in popularity over the decades. After barely registering in the 1960s, it began a steady climb through the 1980s and 1990s before peaking in the early 2000s. Since then, it has gently declined but still remains a well-loved choice for many parents.

Here’s how the name Autumn has ranked in the United States from 1970 to present:

• Rise Begins (1960s–1970s): The name Autumn started gaining popularity in the late 1960s.

• Sharp Growth (1980s–1990s): It climbed rapidly through the ’80s and ’90s, becoming a favorite nature-inspired name.

• Peak (Early 2000s): Autumn reached its highest popularity, used in over 1,000 births per million.

• Recent Dip (Post-2010): A slight decline is seen after 2010, but the name remains strong.

• Still Popular Today: As of 2023, Autumn continues to be widely used and well-loved.

Zodiac Sign & Astrological Significance

The name Autumn carries strong seasonal symbolism tied to change, reflection, and natural beauty. It is often associated with balance, calm, and inner growth—qualities that align beautifully with certain zodiac signs and elements.

Astrological Associations Table

Attribute	Details
Representation	Transformation, peaceful energy, harvest, beauty
Element	Fire
Ruling Body	Mars
Zodiac Signs Linked	Libra (balance and beauty) & Virgo (earthy and thoughtful)

The name Autumn is a lovely match for Virgo and Libra babies born between late August and October—right in the middle of the fall season!

Famous People Named Autumn

The name Autumn has been embraced by many talented and well-known individuals across different fields. Here are a few famous people who carry this beautiful, nature-inspired name:

• Autumn Reeser is an American actress best known for her roles in TV shows like The O.C. and Hallmark Channel movies.

• Autumn de Wilde – A renowned photographer and film director, celebrated for directing the 2020 film Emma.

• Autumn Phillips – Former wife of Peter Phillips, the grandson of Queen Elizabeth II, and known for her presence in the British royal family.

• Autumn Hurlbert – A stage actress and singer, recognized for her performances on Broadway and in musical theatre.

Similar Name Ideas

If you love the name Autumn for its peaceful vibe, natural beauty, or seasonal charm, here are some wonderful alternatives with a similar feel in meaning, origin, or style:

Name	Meaning/Feel
Summer	Bright, warm, and cheerful like sunny days.
Winter	Cool, calm, and serene—perfect for fans of frosty charm.
Hazel	A vintage nature name linked to hazelnut trees and soft earthy tones.
Aurora	Meaning “dawn”; evokes light and natural wonder.
Willow	Gentle and graceful, like the willow tree it’s named after.
Ivy	A fresh climbing plant name with Old English roots.
Skye	Inspired by the sky or Scotland’s Isle of Skye—airy and natural.
Meadow	Evokes peaceful open fields and a free-spirited vibe.
Rain	A soft, poetic nature name with a calm, modern sound.
Maple	Sweet and colorful, just like the vibrant trees in autumn.

Conclusion

Autumn, as a name, captures the beauty of a season filled with golden light, crisp air, and colorful leaves. Its Latin roots and nature-inspired meaning give it both depth and warmth.

Parents who choose this name often love its natural feel, gentle sound, and the way it stands out without being too unusual. The name has steadily grown in popularity while still feeling special and meaningful.

Even if your little Autumn isn’t born during the fall months, the name carries the essence of change, harvest, and the cozy feeling this season brings to so many people.

Looking for more season-inspired names? Check out our guides on Winter, Summer, and Spring names for siblings or alternatives that capture similar natural beauty!

What seasonal name speaks to you? Share your thoughts in the comments below!