Otto is a masculine given name of Germanic origin. It comes from the ancient Germanic element "Oddi", which means "wealth" or "fortune". The name Otto was popular among medieval German royalty and nobility, with some notable bearers including Otto I, Holy Roman Emperor from 936 to 973, and Otto II, his successor.
The name Otto has a strong historical presence in Germany. It has been borne by kings, emperors, and saints throughout history, contributing to its enduring popularity in the country. In addition to its association with power and wealth, Otto is also sometimes associated with wisdom due to Saint Otto of Bamberg, who was a 12th-century bishop known for his missionary work.
In recent times, Otto has seen a resurgence in popularity as a given name. While it may have once been considered old-fashioned or outdated, it is now often viewed as a classic and timeless option. It has also gained international recognition due to its use by celebrities such as musician Otto Warmbier and Formula One driver Otmar Szafnowicz.
Overall, Otto is a strong and distinctive name with a rich history and a meaningful origin. Its association with wealth, power, and wisdom makes it an attractive choice for parents looking for a classic yet unique name for their son.
Based on the provided statistics, the name Otto has seen a significant increase in popularity over the past century in the United States.
From the years 1880 to 1939, there was an average of around 250 births per year with the name Otto. The highest number during this period was 398 births in 1912, while the lowest was 174 births in 1899.
However, from 1940 onwards, there was a noticeable decline in the number of births with the name Otto. The average number of births per year between 1940 and 2023 was around 150. The highest number during this period was 974 births in 2021, while the lowest was 51 births in 1991.
Despite the decline in popularity from the mid-20th century onwards, it is notable that there has been a resurgence of the name Otto in recent years. In fact, between 2015 and 2023, the number of births with the name Otto increased significantly, from 526 births in 2015 to 1191 births in 2023.
Overall, while the name Otto has seen fluctuations in popularity over time, it remains a distinctive and timeless choice for parents in the United States.