Otto
Wealth, prosperity — a boy name of Germanic origin
Popularity of Otto in the United States
Data: U.S. Social Security Administration (SSA). Based on all Social Security card applications for births in the United States.
Meaning & Origin of Otto
Otto derives from the Old High German element "od" or "ot" meaning "wealth," "fortune," or "prosperity." It was one of the most important royal names in medieval Europe, borne by four Holy Roman Emperors, most notably Otto I (Otto the Great), who consolidated the Holy Roman Empire in the 10th century. The name was also carried by Otto von Bismarck, the Iron Chancellor who unified Germany in the 19th century. Otto has a palindromic simplicity that gives it a distinctive modern appeal. It has experienced a revival in Scandinavia and the English-speaking world as parents seek strong, classic names with historical gravitas.
Otto Around the World
Otto is used in 7 languages worldwide, with 12+ international variants.
Female FormQ18339796
Linguistic data: Wikidata (CC0). Variants and language usage may vary by region.
Nicknames for Otto
Famous People Named Otto
- Otto von Bismarck — first Chancellor of the German Empire
- Otto Frank — father of Anne Frank and Holocaust survivor
- Otto Preminger — Austrian-American film director
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Sibling Name Ideas for Otto
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Frequently Asked Questions
What does the name Otto mean?
Otto is a boy name of Germanic origin meaning "Wealth, prosperity." Otto derives from the Old High German element "od" or "ot" meaning "wealth," "fortune," or "prosperity." It was one of the most important royal names in medieval Europe, borne by four Holy Roman Emperors, most notably Otto I (Otto the Great), who consolidated the Holy Roman Empire in the 10th century.
How do you pronounce Otto?
Otto is pronounced AH-toh. Common variations include Otis, Oto, Othon.
Is Otto a boy name?
Yes, Otto is traditionally a boy name. Popular nicknames include Ott, Otty.
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