From a dictionary:

"Gustav is the German form of a Latin name, Gustavus, possibly coming (according to the The Oxford Dictionary of English Christian Names) from an older German name, Chustaffus, meaning “Meditation, Staff” from “chuton” (to meditate) and “staf” (staff). Other sources say it means “Guatr’s Staff.” Guatr was the name of an old Germanic tribe."

Meditation staff, and in some variations "staff of the gods", brings my mind right away to the central channel!

It is beautiful, gives my name a whole different meaning when it is spoken or heard inside, more than a social lable. Just wanted to share that

Namaste
Gustaf

Thanks Gustav,

for sharing this meditation stuff(staff? ) about your meditative name.
It feels like good herbs!

Nomen est omen goes a Latin proverb.
Language and magic seem to be closely interwoven.
One sort of  name-givers may be parents or other people(for all kind of names)
Meanwhile Goddess is also involved, with Her own agenda and goals.

And there is redundancy: Goddess speaking on multiple channels, coincidently.
After what you have laid down and present as information, i would translate 'Gustav' with "scrutinizing meditation", because "scrutinize" seems to be the staff aspect of meditation.
So, You seem to have found Your *name* at least 2-ways: 1.as a mystic practitioner, from within; 2.after (1.)has driven you to the actual state, you found it etymologically, as a confirmation.

A further addition may associate itself to any name, by the way it is spoken, imagine 2 Gustavs in a group or in a class, or father&son(Gustav Gustavsen ).

So suspicion arises that names might be archetypes? Then the frequency or popularity of a name would tell something about that tribe or nation?

Helene Diener(aka Sir Galahad, in "Muetter und Amazonen"[Mothers and Amazons]) reveals something also interesting about names: That certain primitifs had or have the custom to hide their true name and take on a name for daily life, which isn't their true name. It has to be concealed lest no other person might gain power over that person. Of course it can be assumed these tribes must have certain insights about names, or to turn it around, you have just invented the wheel once again!

What Mystress teaches about "the Hidden", which comes to my mind, is the hidden wisdom of The Soul; so we can reveal the "Hidden" by surrender and learn liberation, instead of having liberty granted by someone (charismatic)else.(see step 1, above, you certainly passed).

That way, the name might also be The Soul.
What differs us from primitifs? -- less fear?

Smiles,
juergen