All about the name

Othell

Male

« Othello is an uncommon Italian given name derived from "Otello," which comes from the German word "Ottila." It originally meant "rich helmet warrior" and was made famous by Shakespeare's Moorish general in his tragedy of the same name. »

#13760 since 1900

Meaning, origin, history

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.

In numbers

Popularity of the name Othell since 1880

Total births
165
Total since 1880
Peak year
1924
11 births
in 1983
9
Recent births (5 years)
5-year trend
0%
vs previous 5 years