Magnus

Magnus is a given name and, less commonly, a surname. It derives from the Latin magnus, meaning "great," and entered Old Norse as Magnús. The name has been common in Scandinavia since the Middle Ages and spread to other parts of Europe and the English-speaking world. It has been borne by saints and rulers, contributing to its enduring appeal.

In historical and contemporary usage, Magnus is associated with several notable figures. Saint Magnus of Orkney, who died around 1117, is venerated as a regional saint in parts of Scotland. In modern times, Magnus Carlsen (born 1990) is a Norwegian chess grandmaster and World Champion, widely regarded as one of the strongest players in history. Magnus Hirschfeld (1868–1935) was a German physician and early advocate for sexual minorities and LGBT rights. The name also appears in fiction, for example Magnus Bane, a character in Cassandra Clare’s The Mortal Instruments series.

The name Magnus is also used in science to designate the Magnus effect, a physical phenomenon named after Heinrich Gustav Magnus. The Magnus effect describes the sideways force on a spinning object moving through a fluid, which helps explain why spinning balls curve in sports such as soccer and baseball. Overall, Magnus remains a versatile name with historical roots and contemporary usage.