Otis is a name of English origin that has been used for centuries. It is derived from the medieval given name Odo, which was popular among the Normans who invaded England in the 11th century. The name Odo is believed to have come from the Germanic word "aud", meaning "wealth" or "prosperity". Therefore, Otis can be interpreted as a name that signifies prosperity and good fortune.
The use of the name Otis can be traced back to medieval England, where it was often used as a personal name. However, its popularity waned over time and it became more commonly used as a surname. Today, Otis is still relatively uncommon as a given name, but it has seen a slight resurgence in recent years.
One notable bearer of the name Otis was Otis Redding, an American singer-songwriter who was active during the 1960s. Redding's powerful and soulful voice earned him a place among the most influential musicians of his generation, and his music continues to inspire new generations of artists today. While Otis Redding is certainly the most famous person with this name, there are many other notable figures throughout history who have shared it.
Overall, Otis is a distinctive and historic name that has been used for centuries in England. Its meaning signifies prosperity and good fortune, making it an appealing choice for parents looking for a unique and meaningful name for their child. While its popularity may not be as widespread as some other names, Otis remains a timeless and memorable option.
The name Otis has been popular among parents in the United States since at least as early as 1880. In that year, there were 88 babies named Otis. The following year, the number of births increased slightly to 89. However, it was not until 1892 that the name began to see a significant increase in popularity, with 126 births recorded that year.
The trend continued into the early 20th century, with the highest number of Otis births occurring in 1912 with 522. This was followed by another peak in 1915 with 901 births. However, after this point, the popularity of the name began to decline.
By the 1930s and 40s, the number of Otis births had fallen significantly, with a low of just 681 births recorded in 1937. This trend continued until the late 1950s and early 1960s, when the popularity of the name began to rise again.
From 1964 to 2000, the number of Otis births fluctuated between a low of 84 in 1999 and a high of 323 in 1975. However, after this point, the popularity of the name began to decline once again.
From 2001 to 2023, the number of Otis births has varied from a low of 78 in 2002 to a high of 455 in 2022. Overall, since 1880, there have been a total of 60,293 babies named Otis born in the United States.