Ozzie is a unique and distinctive name of American origin. It is derived from the diminutive form of the name Oscar, which itself has origins in the Old Norse name Áskatla. The meaning behind Ozzie is "divine spear," reflecting its Norse roots.
The name Ozzie gained significant popularity in the United States during the early 20th century. It was particularly common among African American communities and was often used as a nickname or shortened form of names like Osborn, Osborne, Oscar, or Oswald. Some notable figures with the name include Ozzie Smith, a famous baseball player, and Ozzie Nelson, an actor and bandleader from the 1930s.
Despite its earlier popularity, Ozzie is not currently among the most common names in America. However, it continues to be used occasionally, offering a unique choice for parents looking for something different. Overall, the name Ozzie carries a sense of vintage charm while still holding its own as a distinctive and memorable moniker.
The name Ozzie has a fascinating history of popularity and usage in the United States, as evidenced by the birth statistics over the years.
In the late 19th and early 20th centuries, Ozzie was relatively uncommon, with fewer than 10 births recorded annually between 1887 and 1934. However, starting in 1934, there was a noticeable increase in the number of babies named Ozzie, with 25 births that year. This trend continued throughout the 1930s and 1940s, with the annual number of Ozzie births ranging from 7 to 17.
The 1950s saw a decline in the popularity of the name Ozzie, with fewer than 12 births recorded annually between 1950 and 1962. However, there was a brief resurgence in the late 1960s and early 1970s, with peaks of 13 births in 1968 and 14 births in 1970.
Since then, Ozzie has been used inconsistently as a baby name in the United States. Between 1971 and 2014, there were fewer than 5 births recorded annually for the name Ozzie. However, starting in 2015, there was another notable increase in its popularity, with at least 6 births recorded each year through 2023.
Overall, from 1887 to 2023, there have been a total of 863 babies named Ozzie born in the United States. While it may not have been consistently popular throughout history, this name has certainly had its moments in the spotlight and continues to be used today.