Origin and Meaning of Rastus

Beloved; one who is favored

Origin: Latin - Rastus is derived from the Latin name 'Erastus', which comes from the Greek 'Erastos'. The name is often associated with the Greek term for 'beloved'.

• Rastus has been used in American culture, especially in the context of African American communities, often as a term of endearment or familiar nickname.
• The name Rastus was popularized in the 19th and early 20th centuries and was often used for characters in minstrel shows and vaudeville performances.
• Notable bearers include Rastus, a character in the popular comic strip 'Little Black Sambo' published in the early 20th century.
• The popularity of the name Rastus has declined significantly since its peak in the early 20th century, primarily due to changing social attitudes toward race and representation.
• Variations and related names include Erastus, which is a more classical form of the name and is occasionally found in religious texts.