Otis, also often spelled Otie, is a name of Greek origin that means "ear" or "hear". It was traditionally used as a surname before becoming popular as a given name in the late 19th century. The name gained significant popularity following its use by characters in popular culture, such as Otis Campbell from the television series "The Dukes of Hazzard" and Otis Redding, an influential soul singer-songwriter during the 1960s. Today, Otie continues to be a distinctive and appealing choice for parents seeking a unique name for their child.
The name Otie experienced a notable rise and fall in popularity during the late 19th to early 20th century, with spikes in births occurring approximately every decade, reaching its peak with 9 births in 1923 before declining sharply thereafter.