Justus

Justus is a masculine given name of Latin origin. It derives from iustus, meaning just or righteous. The name appears in early Christian Latin texts and has been used in Europe for many centuries.

In English, German, Dutch, and Scandinavian contexts, Justus has been used as a given name and, less commonly, as a surname derived from the personal name. Variants and related forms appear in other languages, such as Justo in Spanish and Portuguese, and Jost in German.

There are several saints named Justus in Christian tradition, and the name has a long association with virtue and piety. The well-known historical figures named Justus include Justus Lipsius (1547–1606), a Flemish humanist and philosopher; and Justus von Liebig (1803–1873), a German chemist who helped establish modern agricultural chemistry and inorganic chemistry.

In modern times, Justus remains in use across Europe and in other parts of the world, often seen as a classic Latin name with religious and virtuous connotations. It is more common in German-speaking countries, where it appears in given names and, occasionally, surnames.