Otniel

“Otniel (עְתְנִיאֵל) is a Biblical name, belonging to a figure mentioned in the Book of Judges as a courageous leader”

Hebrew origin · Boy name

♂ 97% boys♀ 3% girls

#13809US 2022

5Births / yr

↓Falling

118All-time births

📅 Since 198000

How to pronounce Otniel

AW·TNEEL

/ˈɔ.ˈtniːl/ · stress on AW · 2 syllables

“Otniel (עְתְנִיאֵל) is a Biblical name, belonging to a figure mentioned in the Book of Judges as a courageous leader”

Hebrew origin · Boy name

What does Otniel mean and where does it come from?

Otniel (עְתְנִיאֵל) is a Biblical name, belonging to a figure mentioned in the Book of Judges as a courageous leader. The name carries a significant weight within Jewish tradition, symbolizing divine strength and power. Its first recorded use dates back to ancient Biblical times. Otniel has a small

Cultural significance

Otniel has been a cherished name across cultures, particularly in Hebrew-speaking communities, where it reflects values of hebrew.

Peak popularity

Reached #4514 in 2018 — currently #13809 in the US.

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What middle names flow best with Otniel?

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

Otniel Grace

How popular is Otniel right now?

Falling — down 4304 spots — currently #13809 in the US out of 135.5k tracked names

US Trend 1980–2022#13809 · Top 10%

1980

1985

1995

2005

2022

Year	US Rank	Births	vs Prior Year
2022	#13809	5	▼ down 4304 · -29% births
2005	#9505	7	▲ up 5 · +40% births
1995	#9510	5	▼ down 2222
1985	#7288	5	▼ down 1787 · -29% births
1980	#5501	7	—

Name Popularity Timeline

Popularity Statistics for Otniel

Best Year1980Rank #5501

Peak Count7

Average Rank#9123

Current Trend→Stable

Data Range1980 - 20225 years

The story of Otniel

Otniel is a relatively modern name, first appearing in US records in 1980. With 118 total births recorded, Otniel remains relatively uncommon. Once ranked #5501 in 1980, the name has become less common in recent years, sitting at #13809 in 2022.

Names that peaked alongside Otniel in 2018:

Liam Noah William James Oliver

Otniel by decade

Otniel peaked in the 2010s. See all 2010s names →

Decade	Births
1980s	12
1990s	36
2000s	30
2010s ★	40

💎Otniel has only 118 total recorded births since 1980 — rarer than 99% of names in our database.

What are good nicknames for Otniel?

Common

Otn

Famous people named Otniel

Otniel (historical figure)

Otniel bore this name in the Biblical tradition, reflecting its deep roots in Hebrew scripture and culture.

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What names sound and feel like Otniel?

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

Hebrew · God is gracious

Oniel

Ireland · Irish

Otoniel

Spanish · אותניאל - Strength

Jofiel

Hebrew · יופיאל - meaning

Yoriel

Hebrew · God will uplift

Ethiel

Hebrew · Hebrew

Common questions about the name Otniel

What does the name Otniel mean?

Otniel means "Hebrew" — a name rooted in Hebrew 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 Otniel?

Otniel is currently a distinctive and less common name as a boy name in the US and is becoming rarer and more distinctive, making it a unique choice that stands out.

What is the cultural origin of Otniel?

Otniel originates from Hebrew tradition. Hebrew 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 Otniel?

Otniel is a two-syllable name pronounced AO1 T N IY1 L. The pronunciation is straightforward for English speakers, and the name reads clearly on paper — an important practical consideration for parents.

Is Otniel a common or rare name?

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