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Otis Boy

Popularity: #593 · Trend: ↗ Rising

Origin(s)

PronunciationOH-tis / /ˈoʊ.tɪs/

Greek; English

Meaning

Greek: wealth; English: son of Otto

Historical & Cultural Background

The name Otis has its roots in the Germanic language, derived from the Old High German name "Audo," which means "wealth" or "fortune." This name evolved through various forms, including the Old French "Otes," before making its way into English. The transition into English likely occurred during the Norman Conquest of England in the 11th century, when many Old French names were adopted into the English lexicon. The name Otis is often considered a diminutive or derivative of names like "Otto," which also has Germanic origins and carries similar meanings related to prosperity and wealth.

Historically, the name Otis gained prominence in the United States during the 19th century, particularly due to notable figures such as Elisha Otis, who invented the safety elevator in the 1850s. His contributions to engineering and architecture helped shape urban landscapes, and his name became synonymous with safety in vertical transportation. The name's association with innovation and progress contributed to its recognition during this period. Additionally, Otis has been borne by various prominent individuals in American history, including politicians and artists, further embedding it into the cultural fabric.

Culturally, Otis has been embraced in literature and music, often symbolizing strength and resilience. The name appears in various works, including the writings of American authors and in the titles of songs, which have helped to maintain its relevance over time. The name's simplicity and strong phonetic quality have allowed it to resonate across different contexts, making it a lasting choice in various cultural narratives. Overall, Otis embodies a blend of historical significance and cultural resonance, reflecting themes of prosperity and innovation.

Trend Summary

Otis has seen a resurgence in popularity in the United States over the past decade.

Similar Names

Variants

  • Ote
  • Otty

International Variants

  • Otis (English)
  • Otes (Greek)

Famous people named Otis

Otis Redding is a singer and songwriter best known for (Sittin' On) The Dock of the Bay, Try a Little Tenderness, and I've Been Loving You Too Long.

Otis Rush is a blues musician best known for I Can't Quit You Baby, All Your Love (I Miss Loving), and Double Trouble.

Otis Williams is a singer best known as a founding member of The Temptations and for hits like My Girl and Ain't Too Proud to Beg.

Otis Taylor is a musician and songwriter best known for his work in the blues genre and albums like White African and Recapturing the Banjo.

Fictional characters named Otis

Otis is a fictional character from the animated film Barnyard. He is a carefree and fun-loving cow who often leads his friends into mischief.

Otis is a fictional character from the comic book series The Otis and the Daring Adventures. They are a brave and adventurous character who embarks on various quests and challenges.

Sibling Suggestions

U.S. Historical Usage

The name Otis was first seen in the United States in 1880. Otis has ranked as high as #330 nationally, which occurred in 1920, and has been most popular in Georgia, Alabama, North Carolina, Mississippi, and Texas. In the past 5 years the name Otis has been trending up compared to the previous 5 years.

Popularity Over Time (National)

Top States for Otis (2024)

StateBirthsShare
CA 49
18%
WA 19
7%
NY 19
7%
TX 19
7%
OH 14
5%
IN 13
5%
PA 13
5%
MN 13
5%
IL 12
4%
OR 12
4%
MA 11
4%
MI 11
4%
FL 11
4%
NC 10
4%
WI 9
3%

Popularity Over Time (National) — Table

YearBirths
188088
188189
1882116
188389
1884107
188589
188699
188797
1888116
1889116
1890119
189197
1892126
1893124
1894129
1895133
1896124
1897133
1898179
1899185
1900212
1901127
1902169
1903168
1904181
1905216
1906184
1907199
1908243
1909267
1910285
1911302
1912522
1913557
1914709
1915901
1916908
1917912
1918936
1919931
19201,031
19211,001
1922988
1923904
19241,011
1925958
1926878
1927901
1928884
1929796
1930831
1931730
1932812
1933756
1934768
1935731
1936699
1937681
1938718
1939730
1940661
1941736
1942737
1943742
1944759
1945706
1946781
1947870
1948845
1949817
1950831
1951820
1952749
1953767
1954751
1955721
1956706
1957661
1958662
1959617
1960556
1961544
1962476
1963511
1964532
1965472
1966421
1967414
1968497
1969532
1970496
1971416
1972379
1973371
1974309
1975330
1976324
1977301
1978297
1979329
1980296
1981269
1982254
1983205
1984218
1985203
1986213
1987194
1988192
1989193
1990213
1991184
1992155
1993149
1994138
1995114
1996115
1997111
1998104
199984
200097
2001115
200282
200378
200480
2005106
2006107
2007112
2008120
2009131
2010122
2011144
2012182
2013177
2014203
2015266
2016324
2017319
2018324
2019351
2020413
2021427
2022455
2023418
2024358