Otto is a masculine given name of Germanic origin. It comes from the ancient Germanic element "Oddi", which means "wealth" or "fortune". The name Otto was popular among medieval German royalty and nobility, with some notable bearers including Otto I, Holy Roman Emperor from 936 to 973, and Otto II, his successor.
The name Otto has a strong historical presence in Germany. It has been borne by kings, emperors, and saints throughout history, contributing to its enduring popularity in the country. In addition to its association with power and wealth, Otto is also sometimes associated with wisdom due to Saint Otto of Bamberg, who was a 12th-century bishop known for his missionary work.
In recent times, Otto has seen a resurgence in popularity as a given name. While it may have once been considered old-fashioned or outdated, it is now often viewed as a classic and timeless option. It has also gained international recognition due to its use by celebrities such as musician Otto Warmbier and Formula One driver Otmar Szafnowicz.
Overall, Otto is a strong and distinctive name with a rich history and a meaningful origin. Its association with wealth, power, and wisdom makes it an attractive choice for parents looking for a classic yet unique name for their son.
The name Otto experienced a significant rise in popularity over the past two decades, with a total of 37,427 births recorded between 1880 and 2023. The highest number of births occurred in 2022 with 1,191 instances. However, there was a notable decline in its usage during the mid-20th century, with fewer than 100 births per year from 1944 to 1959.