Otto

The tenth century marked the dawn of the Holy Roman Empire, debuting the German monarchy. The first German ruler had the German name of Otto. 

Otto began as a medieval diminutive of German names starting with "od" or "ot," meaning "wealth" or "fortune." Otto the Great was one of the name's earliest known bearers. The eleventh-century Saint Otto of Bamberg followed. Plus, he was in moderate use in Italy during the Renaissance, ranking #347 in 1427. 

Otto was very popular as a name in nineteenth century America. He ranked in the U.S. Top 100 through the 1890s and the top 200 through the 1910s. He then dropped out of the top 1000 in 1975. During Otto's decline in America, he became more common in other nations. He was popular in Germany through the 1920s, during the 1940s in Norway, and in the Czech Republic through the 1970s. 

After hitting his lowest usage of 45 babies in 1984, Otto began his American revival. He returned to the top 1000 in 2011 and re-entered the top 500 in 2017. Otto now ranks in the 200s. 

Otto is also in moderate use in England. He is currently very common in Finland, Denmark, and Sweden as well. 

Some might consider Otto a classic because he has connected himself to royals and saints throughout his long history. However, he feels slightly too German and old-fashioned to make the cut. Either way, the name will appeal to parents after something old-fashioned, foreign, and sweet. 


POPULARITY LEVEL: #101-300


FAMOUS REAL-LIFE NAMESAKES:

  • German King-Emperor Otto the Great (936-973)
  • Saint Otto of Bamberg (1060-1139)
  • German statesman and Chancellor Otto von Bismarck (1815-1898)
  • German chemist Otto Hahn (1879-1968)
  • Anne Frank's father Otto Frank (1889-1980), who first published her diary
  • American director Otto Preminger (1905-1986)
FAMOUS FICTIONAL NAMESAKES:
  • Titular dog Otto in Todd Parr's picture books
  • Agent Otto in PBS Kids series Odd Squad

VARIANTS: Audo, Oddo, Odilo

SISTERS: Cleo, Edith, Faye, Ingrid, Lola, Matilda, Olive, Pearl, Thea, Zora

BROTHERS: Axel, Casper, Edgar, Fritz, Hugo, Ira, Linus, Mack, Roscoe, Wiley

Click here for more sibling names for Otto.


ALTERNATIVES: Amos, Benno, Bruno, Cosmo, Hans, Ivo, Otis, Philo, Rex, Viggo




FURTHER RESOURCES:

"Otto." Names, Behind the Name, 7 Dec. 2022, https://www.behindthename.com/name/otto. 

Redmond, Pamela. "Otto." Baby Boy Names, Nameberry, 17 Jan. 2025, https://nameberry.com/babyname/otto. 


What do you think about Otto? 

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