What does Otis mean and where does it come from?
Traditionally, Otis is a male name of English origin but has seen usage for females in modern times. It was popularized in the early 20th century and often associated with the famous musician Otis Redding. Its usage as a female name indicates a shift in naming conventions.
Cultural significance
Otis has been a cherished name across cultures, particularly in American-speaking communities, where it reflects values of english.
Peak popularity
Reached #986 in 1900 — currently #654 in the US.
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Related Reading
American-origin baby names with timeless appeal
Browse names →How else can you spell Otis?
Same sound, different look — useful if you want something slightly more distinctive
What middle names flow best with Otis?
Otis works best with short, strong middle names — one or two syllables keep the full name from becoming a mouthful
Otis Grace
Most popular combo · classic
Otis Rose
Floral · soft ending
Otis Claire
French influence · crisp
Otis Jane
Literary · strong
Otis Skye
Modern · airy feel
How popular is Otis right now?
Declining — down 39 spots — currently #654 in the US out of 135.5k tracked names
| Year | US Rank | Births | vs Prior Year |
|---|
| 2023 | #654 | 418 | ▼ down 39 · -8% births |
| 2022 | #615 | 455 | ▲ up 32 · +7% births |
| 2021 | #647 | 427 | ▲ up 4779 · +4644% births |
| 1970 | #5426 | 9 | ▼ down 1217 · -10% births |
| 1960 | #4209 | 10 | ▼ down 809 · -17% births |
| 1955 | #3400 | 12 | ▼ down 151 · +9% births |
| 1950 | #3249 | 11 | ▼ down 491 |
| 1945 | #2758 | 11 | ▲ up 1121 · +83% births |
| 1940 | #3879 | 6 | ▼ down 1560 · -54% births |
| 1935 | #2319 | 13 | ▼ down 106 · -13% births |
| 1930 | #2213 | 15 | ▲ up 289 · +7% births |
| 1925 | #2502 | 14 | ▼ down 828 · -44% births |
| 1920 | #1674 | 25 | ▲ up 299 · +56% births |
| 1915 | #1973 | 16 | ▼ down 968 · -16% births |
| 1910 | #1005 | 19 | — |
The story of Otis
Otis has been a beloved American name for over 135 years, first appearing in Social Security records in 1889. A total of 59,863 babies have received this name. The name has grown more popular over time, rising from #986 in 1900 to #654 in 2023. Otis is used for both genders: 1% female and 99% male.
Names that peaked alongside Otis in 1900:
Otis by decade
Otis peaked in the 1900s. See all 1900s names →
| Decade | Births | |
|---|
| 1880s | 1,011 | |
| 1890s | 1,380 | |
| 1900s | 2,038 | |
| 1910s | 7,111 | |
| 1920s ★ | 9,552 | |
| 1930s | 7,584 | |
| 1940s | 7,764 | |
| 1950s | 7,360 | |
| 1960s | 5,036 | |
| 1970s | 3,586 | |
| 1980s | 2,237 | |
| 1990s | 1,367 | |
| 2000s | 1,026 | |
| 2010s | 2,402 | |
| 2020s | 409 | |
What are good nicknames for Otis?
What names sound and feel like Otis?
Based on sound, origin, and style — parents who love Otis also consider these
Common questions about the name Otis
What does the name Otis mean?
Otis means "English" — a name rooted in American 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 Otis?
Otis is currently ranked #654 as a baby name in the US and is rapidly gaining popularity — searches for Otis have increased significantly in recent years.
What is the cultural origin of Otis?
Otis originates from American tradition. American 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 Otis?
Otis is a two-syllable name pronounced OW1 T IH0 S. The pronunciation is straightforward for English speakers, and the name reads clearly on paper — an important practical consideration for parents.
Is Otis trending right now?
Otis is currently on the rise — it has gained significant momentum in recent years as parents discover its appeal.