Oscar

Many people remember the grouch who lived in the garbage can from Sesame Street. Even if they do not recall him, though, they will still recognize his name.

Oscar has three possible meanings. First, it could have come from the Old Irish elements os and cara, which together means "deer friend." In Irish mythology, the grandson of Fionn mac Cumhaill had the name. Or else, Oscar could have originated from the Old English Osgar, meaning "god spear," or the Old Norse Ásgeirr.

Either way, Oscar had its earliest usage among certain Irish families, including the O'Connors and Maguires. It was not until the eighteenth century when Scottish poet James Macpherson extended the name's usage throughout Europe via his Ossianic Poems. During the next century, Kings Oscar I and II of Sweden made it even more common.

Oscar was briefly popular in Victorian England, ranking in the top 100 for one decade. However, it was more common in the United States. It ranked in the American top 100 through 1925. When Oscar hit its low point in the early 1960s, it remained within the top 250. This makes Oscar a truly timeless name.

While Oscar is a first-time top 100 choice in Australia, New Zealand, and English, it is the opposite in the United States. This former top 100 choice has risen in use since its low point, but it hovered in the 100s before dropping back down into the 200s. The reason for Oscar's delayed revival is unclear. Maybe Oscar the grouch is scaring parents away, except that the name doesn't feel too tied to the character.

As with many classic names, Oscar has seen some usage in foreign languages. These include, of course, Norwegian, Swedish, and Irish as well as many outside Oscar's roots. 

Oscar may have a delayed revival, but it is good news for parents who want something that won't be too popular anytime soon. It is also a timeless international classic with strong origins in Irish and Nordic languages and cultures. Irish poet and writer Oscar Wilde (1854-1900) also gives it a literary vibe. 

RESPELLINGS:

Oskar

STYLES:

Celtic, Nordic, Timeless

SISTERS:

Nora, Alice, Evelyn, Lucy, Ingrid, Thea, Molly, Rose

BROTHERS:

Hugh, Otto, Felix, Conrad, Leon, Bruno, Max, Simon

ALTERNATIVES:

Casper, Cosmo, Edgar, Omar, Oswald, Otis, Pascal, Roscoe

FURTHER RESOURCES:

"Oscar." Names, Behind the Name, 21 Jan. 2022, https://www.behindthename.com/name/oscar. 

Nickerson, Eleanor. "Oscar." Names of the Week, British Baby Names, 18 Feb. 2012, https://www.britishbabynames.com/blog/2012/02/oscar.html. 

What do you think about Oscar?

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