The name Otis possesses a certain vintage charm that resonates with parents seeking a classic yet distinctive moniker for their son. But how popular is the name Otis today, and what lies behind its enduring appeal? Let’s delve into the history and current trends surrounding this timeless name.
Otis Name Popularity: A Historical Perspective
The popularity of Otis has ebbed and flowed throughout the 20th and 21st centuries. According to data from the Social Security Administration (SSA), the name enjoyed considerable popularity in the early 1900s. In 1910, Otis ranked 106th, with 252 births, accounting for 0.0716% of all male births that year. The name continued its steady climb, peaking in the late 1910s and early 1920s, consistently remaining within the top 150 names. The highest number of births recorded for the name was 989 in 1920 when it held rank 148 and comprised of 0.0889% of male births.
The mid-20th century saw a gradual decline in Otis’s popularity. By the 1980s and 1990s, the name had fallen significantly in the rankings, reaching its lowest point in the early 2000s. In 2003, it ranked 1,797th, with a mere 23 births, representing just 0.0015% of male births.
However, in recent years, Otis has experienced a remarkable resurgence. Starting in the late 2000s, the name began to climb the charts again, reflecting a renewed interest in vintage and classic names. In 2023, Otis ranked 664, with 368 births, accounting for 0.0284% of male births. This signifies a substantial increase in popularity and suggests that Otis is poised to become an even more sought-after name in the coming years.
Meaning and Origin
The name Otis is of German origin and is considered a short form of Otto. Otto, in turn, is derived from the Germanic element "aud," meaning "wealth," "fortune," or "prosperity." Thus, Otis carries the inherent meaning of "wealthy" or "prosperous."
Names Like Otis: Exploring Alternatives
If the appeal of Otis lies in its vintage charm and strong sound, several alternative names might also capture your attention.
- Variants of Otis: Oates, Otess, Ottis, Otys.
- Names that sound like Otis: Addis, Athos, Odis, Ozzie, Waits, Watts, Yates.
Famous People Named Otis
- Otis Redding, a legendary soul singer known for hits like "(Sittin’ On) The Dock of the Bay."
- Otis Blackwell, a prolific songwriter who penned numerous hits for Elvis Presley and other artists.
Sibling Names
Parents who choose the name Otis for their children often select names that complement its classic style. One suggestion for a sibling name is Otis for a girl.
Conclusion
Otis is a name with a rich history, a pleasant sound, and a strong meaning. Its recent resurgence in popularity suggests that it’s a name that appeals to modern parents seeking something both unique and timeless. Whether you’re drawn to its vintage charm, its connection to wealth and prosperity, or its association with legendary figures, Otis is undoubtedly a name worth considering for your little one.
Data Table
| Year | Rank | # Births | % Births |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1910 | 106 | 252 | 0.0716% |
| 1911 | 117 | 280 | 0.0752% |
| 1912 | 127 | 483 | 0.0958% |
| 1913 | 141 | 514 | 0.0907% |
| 1914 | 140 | 683 | 0.098% |
| 1915 | 141 | 878 | 0.0966% |
| 1916 | 143 | 875 | 0.0906% |
| 1917 | 146 | 874 | 0.0874% |
| 1918 | 152 | 902 | 0.084% |
| 1919 | 146 | 889 | 0.0849% |
| 1920 | 148 | 989 | 0.0889% |
| 1921 | 154 | 963 | 0.0841% |
| 1922 | 158 | 954 | 0.0856% |
| 1923 | 166 | 873 | 0.0779% |
| 1924 | 160 | 972 | 0.0837% |
| 1925 | 159 | 927 | 0.082% |
| 1926 | 168 | 838 | 0.0762% |
| 1927 | 166 | 876 | 0.0791% |
| 1928 | 165 | 851 | 0.0795% |
| 1929 | 177 | 753 | 0.0727% |
| 1930 | 171 | 807 | 0.0773% |
| 1931 | 182 | 698 | 0.0707% |
| 1932 | 174 | 782 | 0.0792% |
| 1933 | 175 | 721 | 0.0774% |
| 1934 | 178 | 738 | 0.0763% |
| 1935 | 182 | 701 | 0.0721% |
| 1936 | 186 | 669 | 0.0694% |
| 1937 | 190 | 640 | 0.0649% |
| 1938 | 189 | 687 | 0.0671% |
| 1939 | 185 | 706 | 0.0694% |
| 1940 | 201 | 621 | 0.0584% |
| 1941 | 195 | 703 | 0.0625% |
| 1942 | 206 | 717 | 0.0568% |
| 1943 | 208 | 716 | 0.0548% |
| 1944 | 195 | 732 | 0.0591% |
| 1945 | 202 | 674 | 0.0553% |
| 1946 | 216 | 754 | 0.0511% |
| 1947 | 217 | 842 | 0.0504% |
| 1948 | 222 | 812 | 0.0509% |
| 1949 | 219 | 804 | 0.05% |
| 1950 | 221 | 806 | 0.0501% |
| 1951 | 234 | 785 | 0.0463% |
| 1952 | 247 | 725 | 0.0415% |
| 1953 | 243 | 742 | 0.0419% |
| 1954 | 253 | 736 | 0.0403% |
| 1955 | 255 | 701 | 0.0381% |
| 1956 | 276 | 678 | 0.0359% |
| 1957 | 285 | 639 | 0.0332% |
| 1958 | 294 | 644 | 0.0341% |
| 1959 | 307 | 606 | 0.0319% |
| 1960 | 324 | 535 | 0.0282% |
| 1961 | 335 | 508 | 0.0269% |
| 1962 | 354 | 458 | 0.0249% |
| 1963 | 341 | 482 | 0.0269% |
| 1964 | 338 | 509 | 0.0289% |
| 1965 | 344 | 453 | 0.0277% |
| 1966 | 365 | 389 | 0.0249% |
| 1967 | 362 | 394 | 0.026% |
| 1968 | 337 | 479 | 0.0319% |
| 1969 | 331 | 510 | 0.0331% |
| 1970 | 364 | 465 | 0.0292% |
| 1971 | 387 | 392 | 0.0261% |
| 1972 | 395 | 348 | 0.0256% |
| 1973 | 402 | 336 | 0.0259% |
| 1974 | 446 | 272 | 0.0209% |
| 1975 | 424 | 294 | 0.0229% |
| 1976 | 426 | 293 | 0.0227% |
| 1977 | 460 | 262 | 0.0194% |
| 1978 | 461 | 256 | 0.019% |
| 1979 | 433 | 304 | 0.0216% |
| 1980 | 488 | 254 | 0.0174% |
| 1981 | 508 | 228 | 0.0155% |
| 1982 | 535 | 212 | 0.0142% |
| 1983 | 581 | 165 | 0.0112% |
| 1984 | 561 | 182 | 0.0122% |
| 1985 | 607 | 161 | 0.0106% |
| 1986 | 595 | 177 | 0.0117% |
| 1987 | 646 | 152 | 0.01% |
| 1988 | 669 | 148 | 0.0095% |
| 1989 | 694 | 153 | 0.0095% |
| 1990 | 704 | 158 | 0.0095% |
| 1991 | 719 | 148 | 0.0091% |
| 1992 | 822 | 112 | 0.007% |
| 1993 | 879 | 98 | 0.0063% |
| 1994 | 883 | 101 | 0.0066% |
| 1995 | 1,066 | 66 | 0.0044% |
| 1996 | 985 | 79 | 0.0053% |
| 1997 | 1,028 | 78 | 0.0053% |
| 1998 | 1,140 | 61 | 0.0041% |
| 1999 | 1,289 | 46 | 0.0031% |
| 2000 | 1,322 | 48 | 0.0031% |
| 2001 | 1,235 | 58 | 0.0038% |
| 2002 | 1,467 | 39 | 0.0026% |
| 2003 | 1,797 | 23 | 0.0015% |
| 2004 | 1,547 | 39 | 0.0026% |
| 2005 | 1,370 | 56 | 0.0037% |
| 2006 | 1,463 | 50 | 0.0032% |
| 2007 | 1,484 | 51 | 0.0032% |
| 2008 | 1,340 | 69 | 0.0045% |
| 2009 | 1,325 | 72 | 0.0048% |
| 2010 | 1,466 | 52 | 0.0036% |
| 2011 | 1,264 | 75 | 0.0053% |
| 2012 | 996 | 134 | 0.0094% |
| 2013 | 1,064 | 113 | 0.0079% |
| 2014 | 948 | 159 | 0.0109% |
| 2015 | 833 | 209 | 0.0144% |
| 2016 | 747 | 266 | 0.0184% |
| 2017 | 740 | 256 | 0.0183% |
| 2018 | 719 | 267 | 0.0194% |
| 2019 | 673 | 307 | 0.0227% |
| 2020 | 662 | 343 | 0.0269% |
| 2021 | 651 | 373 | 0.0305% |
| 2022 | 614 | 413 | 0.0313% |
| 2023 | 664 | 368 | 0.0284% |