What does Otho mean and where does it come from?
Otho is derived from an Old High German name, Otho, meaning 'wealthy', and was historically used in royal contexts. The name was borne by Otho, a Roman Emperor of the 1st century AD. It has also been associated with a few saints, contributing to its historical significance in medieval Europe. Otho i
Cultural significance
Otho has been a cherished name across cultures, particularly in Latin-speaking communities, where it reflects values of german.
Peak popularity
Reached #322 in 1881 — currently #1331 in the US.
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Related Reading
Latin-origin baby names with timeless appeal
Browse names →What middle names flow best with Otho?
Otho works best with short, strong middle names — one or two syllables keep the full name from becoming a mouthful
Otho Grace
Most popular combo · classic
Otho Rose
Floral · soft ending
Otho Claire
French influence · crisp
Otho Jane
Literary · strong
Otho Skye
Modern · airy feel
How popular is Otho right now?
Holding steady — currently #1331 in the US out of 135.5k tracked names
| Year | US Rank | Births | vs Prior Year |
|---|
| 2023 | #1331 | 869 | ▲ up 5 · +2% births |
| 2022 | #1336 | 849 | ▲ up 5 · +4% births |
| 2021 | #1341 | 819 | ▲ up 4199 · +13550% births |
| 1980 | #5540 | 6 | ▼ down 713 |
| 1975 | #4827 | 6 | ▼ down 2084 · -50% births |
| 1970 | #2743 | 12 | ▼ down 653 · -20% births |
| 1965 | #2090 | 15 | ▼ down 356 · -32% births |
| 1960 | #1734 | 22 | ▲ up 118 · +22% births |
| 1955 | #1852 | 18 | ▼ down 97 |
| 1950 | #1755 | 18 | ▼ down 548 · -40% births |
| 1945 | #1207 | 30 | ▲ up 133 · +20% births |
| 1940 | #1340 | 25 | ▼ down 409 · -46% births |
| 1935 | #931 | 46 | ▲ up 30 · -8% births |
| 1930 | #961 | 50 | ▼ down 229 · -37% births |
| 1925 | #732 | 79 | — |
The story of Otho
Otho has been a beloved American name for over 144 years, first appearing in Social Security records in 1880. With 3,328 total births recorded, Otho remains relatively uncommon. Once ranked #419 in 1880, the name has become less common in recent years, sitting at #1331 in 2023.
Names that peaked alongside Otho in 1881:
Otho by decade
Otho peaked in the 1880s. See all 1880s names →
| Decade | Births | |
|---|
| 1880s | 214 | |
| 1890s | 177 | |
| 1900s | 241 | |
| 1910s | 755 | |
| 1920s ★ | 784 | |
| 1930s | 471 | |
| 1940s | 285 | |
| 1950s | 182 | |
| 1960s | 117 | |
| 1970s | 76 | |
| 1980s | 21 | |
| 1990s | 5 | |
💎With 3,328 total births, Otho is an uncommon but established name.
What are good nicknames for Otho?
Famous people named Otho
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Otho (historical Roman figure)
Otho carried this name during the Roman Empire, giving it the enduring weight of classical civilization.
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Otho (Renaissance scholar)
Otho used this name during the Latin revival of the Renaissance, reinforcing its classical prestige.
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Celebrity Names
What celebrities named their babies in 2024
Explore →What names sound and feel like Otho?
Based on sound, origin, and style — parents who love Otho also consider these
Common questions about the name Otho
What does the name Otho mean?
Otho means "German" — a name rooted in Latin 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 Otho?
Otho is currently a distinctive and less common name as a boy name in the US and is holding steady in popularity, a reliable classic that parents consistently choose.
What is the cultural origin of Otho?
Otho originates from Latin tradition. Latin names tend to carry strong cultural heritage and have spread across the world through migration, literature, and religion over centuries.
How do you pronounce the name Otho?
Otho is a two-syllable name pronounced AO1 T HH OW1. The pronunciation is straightforward for English speakers, and the name reads clearly on paper — an important practical consideration for parents.
Is Otho a common or rare name?
Otho is a distinctive choice that balances familiarity with individuality. It strikes a balance between standing out and fitting in.