Ottis

Ottis is a unique and distinctive given name of American origin. It is believed to have been created by author William Faulkner for one of his characters in his novel "Absalom, Absalom!" published in 1936. In the story, Ottis is the illegitimate son of Thomas Sutpen, the protagonist of the novel. The meaning and significance behind the name Ottis are unclear as it was not derived from any existing names or words. Faulkner may have created the name for literary purposes, perhaps to emphasize the unconventional background and identity of his character. However, some people associate the name Ottis with the Greek word "otos," which means "ear," due to its phonetic similarity. Despite its obscure origin, Ottis has gained some popularity as a given name in the United States. According to data from the Social Security Administration, the peak of its usage was between 1920 and 1929, with only a handful of births registered with the name each year since then. Today, it remains a rare and uncommon name. In summary, Ottis is a unique given name of American origin, created by author William Faulkner for one of his characters. Its meaning and significance are unclear, but some people associate it with the Greek word "otos." While it has gained some popularity in the past, it remains a rare name today.