Aust is a German surname derived from Aust, an archaic diminutive of August. The given name August itself is a German, Polish, Scandinavian, and Catalan form of the Latin name Augustus, meaning "exalted, venerable", derived from Latin augeo "to increase". This etymological chain ties the surname Aust ultimately to the Roman imperial title Augustus, first borne by the emperor Octavian in 27 BC. As a surname, Aust is found primarily in German-speaking regions, where it originated as a nickname or pet form for someone named August. Such diminutive surnames were common in medieval Germany, reflecting familial or affectionate usage before becoming hereditary. The name may also have roots in the village of Aust in South Gloucestershire, England, whose own name is thought to derive from the Latin Augusta, referencing the Roman emperor. However, the surname Aust is distinct from the English place name in both origin and distribution. Related names include the Italian surname Agosti, also derived from the name Augustus. Unlike Aust, Agosti is a patronymic surname (meaning "son of Agosto", the Italian form of August), showcasing how different languages evolved surnaming conventions from the same root. Notable Bearers The surname Aust is not widely documented among famous historical figures, but it appears in modern contexts. Notable bearers include Melanie Aust, a German athlete in hammer throwing, and Gerhard Aust, a former German footballer. The name's rarity makes it distinctive, carrying echoes of the ancient Roman honorific from which it sprang. Meaning: Diminutive of August, ultimately deriving from Latin Augustus meaning "exalted, venerable" Origin: German Type: Surname (diminutive) Usage Regions: Germany, occasionally Netherlands and England