Ottis is a unique and distinctive name of American origin. It is derived from the English surname Otis, which itself has Norman French roots. The name Otis is believed to have been brought to England by the Normans after the Norman Conquest in 1066.
The meaning of Ottis, like its variant Otis, is "wealthy" or "prosperous". This interpretation comes from the Old French word 'otic', which means wealthy or prosperous. The name may also be derived from the Germanic element 'Odo', meaning "wealth", and the suffix '-is', which denotes belonging to.
Historically, Ottis was first used as a given name in the United States during the 19th century. It is relatively rare compared to other names but has been steadily gaining popularity since the mid-20th century. According to the Social Security Administration's data on popular baby names in the U.S., Ottis reached its peak popularity in the year 1968, ranking at number 575. Although it has since declined, it remains a unique and memorable choice for parents looking for an uncommon name with a rich history.
In literature and pop culture, Ottis is not as widely recognized as some other names due to its rarity. However, there are a few notable mentions of the name in works such as "Ottis Toole: The Making of a Monster" by Tom Philpott and "The Ballad of Ottis" by American singer-songwriter Blind Boy Fuller.
In conclusion, Ottis is an intriguing and uncommon name with an interesting history. Its origins trace back to Norman France, where it was brought to England after the Norman Conquest. With its meaning derived from words that denote wealth or prosperity, Ottis stands out as a unique choice for parents seeking an uncommon yet meaningful name for their child.
The statistics provided show the annual birth count of babies named Ottis in the United States between the years 1898 and 1936. Over this period of 39 years, there were a total of 174 births.
During these years, the birth rate for boys named Ottis varied significantly from year to year. The highest peak occurred in 1929 with 12 births, while the lowest point was reached in 1898 and 1936, with only 5 births each.
There were several years where the number of births remained consistent: 5 births each year between 1898 and 1900, as well as from 1926 to 1927. However, most years showed fluctuations in the birth rate for this name.
Despite these variations, it's clear that the name Ottis was used consistently throughout these decades, with a steady total of births over time.