Meaning, origin, history
Oden is a unique and distinctive name of Norse origin. It is derived from the Old Norse word 'Oðinn', which was the name of the chief god in Germanic mythology. Oðinn was known for his wisdom, poetic inspiration, and warlike nature.
The name Oden is believed to have been brought to England by Viking invaders during the Middle Ages. However, it did not become popular as a given name until the 20th century. Today, Oden is still relatively rare but continues to be used as a first name for boys.
One notable bearer of the name was Odenathus, a Roman client king of Palmyra in the early 3rd century AD. He played a significant role in defending the eastern frontier of the Roman Empire against invading Persians.
In popular culture, the name Oden has been used in various forms of media. For example, it appears as a character's name in the video game series "Final Fantasy" and is also the title of a song by progressive rock band Tool.
In numbers
Popularity of the name Oden since 1880
Total births
1,433
Total since 1880
Peak year
2022
102 births
in 2023
89
Recent births (5 years)
5-year trend
+40%
↗
vs previous 5 years