Othello is a unique and distinctive given name of Italian origin. It is derived from the Italian word "Otello," which itself comes from the German word "Ottila." This name has a rich history, most notably associated with the character Othello in William Shakespeare's tragic play of the same name.
In Shakespeare's tragedy, Othello is a Moorish general in the Venetian army. The name "Othello" in this context is believed to have been inspired by the Italian composer Otho, who was active during the late 16th century. However, it's important to note that there is no direct evidence linking the two figures.
The meaning of the name Othello has evolved over time. In its original Italian form, "Otello," it was likely derived from the Germanic elements "Oda" and "Helm," which together mean "wealth" and "helmet." Thus, the name could be interpreted as signifying "rich helmet warrior."
Today, Othello is not a common given name. It retains its distinctive and unique character, often associated with intelligence and wisdom due to its literary connection to Shakespeare's tragic hero. While it may not be widely used today, the name Othello carries a historical and cultural significance that sets it apart from many other names.
The given statistics illustrate the annual births of babies named Othell in the United States from 1919 to 1983. During this period, there were a total of 165 babies born with this name.
The years with the highest number of Othell births were 1924 and 1932, each with 11 births. The years following saw a decline in the popularity of this name, with only a few births per year from 1925 to 1940.
From 1946 onwards, there was a resurgence in the number of Othell births, with peaks occurring in 1951 (8 births) and 1983 (9 births). The name's popularity seemed to have fluctuated throughout this time period.