justas

Justas is a masculine given name used in Lithuania. It is the Lithuanian form of the Latin Justinus, from which the modern English name Justin is derived. The meaning of Justinus is commonly interpreted as "just," "fair," or "righteous." The name has appeared in Lithuanian usage since medieval times and remains common in Lithuania today, including among Lithuanian communities abroad. Related names in other languages include Justin, Justus, Justino, and Juste. In Lithuanian pronunciation, Justas is typically rendered with the stress on the first syllable.

Beyond its function as a given name, justas is also a word in several Romance languages. In Spanish and Portuguese, justa is a feminine noun meaning "joust" or "contest," and justas is its plural. Historically, justas referred to organized tournaments or mounted combats in medieval Europe and is encountered in discussions of chivalry, sport, and medieval culture.

Notable people named Justas come from various fields such as sports, arts, and academia, reflecting the name’s continued presence in Lithuanian life. The given name is also found among Lithuanian diaspora communities and in historical records of Baltic populations.

See also: Justin, Justus, Justino, Juste, Justina.