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Otto Boy

Popularity: #259 · Trend: ↗ Rising

Origin(s)

PronunciationAH-toh / /ˈɔ.toʊ/

German; Latin

Meaning

German: wealth; Latin: prosperous

Historical & Cultural Background

The name Otto has its roots in the Germanic language, derived from the Old High German name "Audo" or "Otto," which means "wealth" or "prosperity." This name evolved through various forms in the Germanic languages, ultimately becoming "Otto" in Middle High German. The name made its way into English through the influence of the Normans, who brought it to England after the Norman Conquest in the 11th century, where it was adopted into the vernacular as a given name, retaining its original meaning.

Historically, the name Otto has been borne by several notable figures, most prominently Otto I, Holy Roman Emperor, who reigned from 936 to 973. He is often credited with consolidating the German territories and establishing the Holy Roman Empire, which played a significant role in the political landscape of medieval Europe. The name also appears in various forms in the annals of history, including Otto II and Otto III, both of whom continued the legacy of their predecessor. Additionally, the name is associated with several saints, including Saint Otto of Bamberg, a 12th-century bishop known for his missionary work in Pomerania.

Culturally, the name Otto has resonated through literature and folklore, often symbolizing nobility and strength. In German-speaking countries, it has been a traditional name, appearing in various historical texts and documents. The name's enduring appeal can also be seen in its diminutive form, "Otti," which has been used affectionately in familial contexts. Overall, Otto carries a rich historical significance, embodying themes of leadership and prosperity that have contributed to its lasting presence in European culture.

Trend Summary

Otto has seen a resurgence in popularity in the United States, particularly in the 21st century.

Similar Names

Variants

  • Otho
  • Ottoh

International Variants

  • Oto (Japanese)
  • Otto (Italian)
  • Oto (Hungarian)

Famous people named Otto

Otto von Bismarck was a statesman best known for unifying Germany and serving as its first Chancellor.

Otto Frank was a businessman best known for being the father of Anne Frank and the founder of the Anne Frank Foundation.

Otto Preminger was a film director best known for Anatomy of a Murder, The Man with the Golden Arm, and Laura.

Otto Dix was a painter and printmaker best known for his work in the New Objectivity movement and his depictions of war.

Otto Kahn was a financier and philanthropist best known for his role in the development of the American theater and his contributions to the arts.

Fictional characters named Otto

Otto is a fictional character from the animated television series The Simpsons. He is the school bus driver known for his laid-back attitude and love of rock music.

Otto Octavius is a fictional character from the Marvel Comics universe. He is a brilliant scientist who becomes the supervillain Doctor Octopus, known for his mechanical tentacles and complex relationship with Spider-Man.

Sibling Suggestions

U.S. Historical Usage

The name Otto was first seen in the United States in 1880. Otto has ranked as high as #478 nationally, which occurred in 2024, and has been most popular in New York, California, Illinois, Texas, and Ohio. In the past 5 years the name Otto has been trending up compared to the previous 5 years.

Popularity Over Time (National)

Top States for Otto (2024)

StateBirthsShare
CA 92
8%
MN 68
6%
TX 61
5%
MI 60
5%
NY 58
5%
OH 57
5%
PA 57
5%
WI 57
5%
WA 50
4%
IL 47
4%
MO 44
4%
IN 42
4%
FL 35
3%
UT 31
3%
IA 30
3%

Popularity Over Time (National) — Table

YearBirths
1880271
1881221
1882252
1883240
1884288
1885263
1886270
1887253
1888312
1889309
1890267
1891274
1892275
1893257
1894270
1895283
1896250
1897234
1898259
1899174
1900199
1901156
1902192
1903166
1904161
1905172
1906173
1907170
1908177
1909180
1910200
1911228
1912398
1913509
1914598
1915773
1916719
1917803
1918728
1919596
1920634
1921640
1922628
1923573
1924606
1925540
1926488
1927506
1928469
1929458
1930438
1931365
1932356
1933322
1934318
1935289
1936277
1937274
1938271
1939225
1940227
1941215
1942229
1943195
1944174
1945175
1946181
1947177
1948173
1949172
1950150
1951147
1952150
1953169
1954151
1955137
1956161
1957152
1958147
1959149
1960141
1961140
1962122
1963126
1964120
196588
1966111
1967110
196886
196981
197092
197194
197285
197354
197472
197565
197663
197761
197860
197966
198053
198157
198261
198356
198445
198562
198660
198753
198867
198961
199073
199151
199252
199363
199462
199550
199670
199751
199873
199965
200061
200190
200291
200397
2004115
2005127
2006134
2007145
2008136
2009172
2010180
2011213
2012288
2013343
2014417
2015526
2016560
2017617
2018707
2019719
2020792
2021975
20221,082
20231,193
20241,239