Augustine Surname: Origin, Meaning & Family History

What Does the Augustine Surname Mean?

Derived from the Latin Augustinus, a diminutive of Augustus meaning venerable or majestic, given in honor of Saint Augustine of Hippo.

History & Origins of the Augustine Name

The Augustine surname has been part of the English landscape since the medieval period. The development of hereditary surnames in England accelerated after the Norman Conquest, as record-keeping became more systematic and families needed fixed identifiers for legal and property purposes.

Historical records trace the Augustine surname to 6th century England, with the name associated with Pan-European. Parish records, tax rolls, and manorial documents from this period provide evidence of the family's presence and standing in their local communities. The geographic distribution of a surname often reveals important clues about a family's origins and the movements of their ancestors over the centuries.

The Augustine name carries notable connections to the British peerage, including Saint Augustine of Canterbury, the first Archbishop of Canterbury, brought the name to England in 597 AD, and it became a common name among the clergy and nobility.. These connections place the family within the broader network of titled families that have shaped British history. The peerage system recognises five ranks of nobility—Duke, Marquess, Earl, Viscount, and Baron—and families connected to this system held positions of influence in Parliament, the military, and the administration of the realm.

The Augustine name has been carried by notable figures across a range of fields. These individuals represent just a fraction of the Augustine legacy that continues to unfold.

Coat of Arms

Coats of arms were granted to specific individuals and their descendants, not to everyone sharing a surname. If you believe you may be entitled to bear the Augustine arms, the College of Arms can help verify your lineage. Learn more in our guide: How Do I Find My Family Crest?

Peerage & Noble Ties

This surname has significant connections to noble families and titled individuals.

• Saint Augustine of Canterbury, the first Archbishop of Canterbury, brought the name to England in 597 AD, and it became a common name among the clergy and nobility.

The Augustine surname can be found in the annals of British peerage records, connecting the family to the long tradition of hereditary titles and noble rank. To understand where these titles sit in the hierarchy, see our interactive peerage hierarchy chart.

Famous People Named Augustine

Related Surnames

These surnames share a similar Latin/English origin and may have historical connections to the Augustine family.

Explore England Lordship Cities

Discover the lordship history of cities connected to the Augustine family's Latin/English heritage.