Osa

“Yoruba”

Nigeria origin · Unisex name

♂ 12% boys♀ 88% girls

#1220US 2023

980Births / yr

→Stable

745All-time births

📅 Since 188000.01% of births at peak

What does Osa mean and where does it come from?

The name Osa is of Yoruba origin and is commonly used in Nigeria, where it can refer to something sacred or a temple. In Japanese, Osa (小サ) can denote a small bird or feather, highlighting its connection to nature. The name may have variations in usage depending on regional dialects in Yoruba-speaki

Cultural significance

Osa has been a cherished name across cultures, particularly in Nigeria-speaking communities, where it reflects values of yoruba.

Peak popularity

Reached #604 in 1881 — currently #1220 in the US.

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What middle names flow best with Osa?

Osa works best with short, strong middle names — one or two syllables keep the full name from becoming a mouthful

Osa Grace

How popular is Osa right now?

Holding steady — currently #1220 in the US out of 135.5k tracked names

US Trend 1880–2023#1220 · Top 0.90%

1885

1890

1895

1900

1910

1915

1920

1925

1930

1935

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1950

2021

2022

2023

Year	US Rank	Births	vs Prior Year
2023	#1220	980	▲ up 5 · +2% births
2022	#1225	960	▲ up 5 · +3% births
2021	#1230	930	▲ up 2746 · +11525% births
1950	#3976	8	▲ up 381 · +60% births
1940	#4357	5	▼ down 1196 · -37% births
1935	#3161	8	▼ down 731 · -38% births
1930	#2430	13	▲ up 352 · +8% births
1925	#2782	12	▼ down 515 · -25% births
1920	#2267	16	▼ down 381 · -6% births
1915	#1886	17	▲ up 518 · +240% births
1910	#2404	5	▼ down 1346 · -62% births
1900	#1058	13	▼ down 117 · +8% births
1895	#941	12	▼ down 140
1890	#801	12	▲ up 255 · +140% births
1885	#1056	5	—

Name Popularity Timeline

Popularity Statistics for Osa

Best Year1900Rank #1058

Peak Count980

Average Rank#2333

Current Trend↘Falling

Data Range1900 - 202312 years

The story of Osa

Osa has been a beloved American name for over 144 years, first appearing in Social Security records in 1880. With 745 total births recorded, Osa remains relatively uncommon. Once ranked #723 in 1880, the name has become less common in recent years, sitting at #1220 in 2023. Osa is used for both genders: 88% female and 12% male.

Names that peaked alongside Osa in 1881:

Mary Anna Emma Elizabeth Margaret

Osa by decade

Osa peaked in the 1880s. See all 1880s names →

Decade	Births
1880s	80
1890s	139
1900s	109
1910s	143
1920s ★	146
1930s	62
1940s	31
1950s	8
1960s	5
2010s	22

💎Osa has only 745 total recorded births since 1880 — rarer than 99% of names in our database.

What are good nicknames for Osa?

Common

OsOsieOsy

What names sound and feel like Osa?

Based on sound, origin, and style — parents who love Osa also consider these

Bosa

Norse · A Norse name

Gosa

Hebrew · A Hebrew name

Sosa

Spain · a surname of

Mosa

Hebrew · Drawn out of

Ola

Nigeria · Wealth

Oya

Nigeria · A goddess of

Oba

Nigeria · king; ruler

Osha

American · Blessing

Common questions about the name Osa

What does the name Osa mean?

Osa means "Yoruba" — a name rooted in Nigeria tradition that carries both historical depth and timeless appeal. The meaning reflects values that have made this name endure across generations.

How popular is the name Osa?

Osa is currently a distinctive and less common name as a baby name in the US and is holding steady in popularity, a reliable classic that parents consistently choose.

What is the cultural origin of Osa?

Osa originates from Nigeria tradition. Nigeria names tend to carry strong cultural heritage and have spread across the world through migration, literature, and religion over centuries.

Is Osa a common or rare name?

Osa is a distinctive choice that balances familiarity with individuality. It strikes a balance between standing out and fitting in.

Is Osa more of a girl or boy name?

Osa is a genuinely unisex name used for both boys and girls. The unisex quality makes it particularly versatile for modern families.