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Otto as a Baby Name. Meaning and Origin of Otto

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The baby name Otto is a Male name , 2 syllables long and is pronounced EN (US/UK): /ˈɑːtoʊ/ or /ˈɒtəʊ/ (OT-toe); DE: /ˈɔto/ (AW-to).

Otto is Germanic in Origin.

Gender: Male
Syllables: 2.0
Origin: Germanic
Pronunciation: EN (US/UK): /ˈɑːtoʊ/ or /ˈɒtəʊ/ (OT-toe); DE: /ˈɔto/ (AW-to)

What is the meaning of the name Otto ?

The baby name Otto is a Male name , 2 syllables long and is pronounced EN (US/UK): /ˈɑːtoʊ/ or /ˈɒtəʊ/ (OT-toe); DE: /ˈɔto/ (AW-to).

Otto is Germanic in Origin.

Otto is a compact Germanic name from Old High German Audo/Odo, rooted in Proto-Germanic *audą, “wealth, fortune, prosperity.” It began as a hypocoristic of longer dithematic names starting with Od-/Ot-/Aud- (such as Odoacer and Odalric), before stabilizing as an independent given name. The spelling with double t reflects standard German orthography; pronunciation typically remains two syllables: OT-oh.

The name’s prestige was cemented by the 10th-century Ottonian dynasty - Holy Roman Emperors Otto I, II, and III - and it remained common across German-speaking and Scandinavian regions. Notable later bearers include King Otto of Greece and physicist Otto Hahn. International variants and cognates include Odo, Otho/Othon (English/French), Otón (Spanish), Ottone (Italian), Otton (Polish), Ottó (Hungarian), and Oto (Slovene, Slovak, Croatian). Related feminine forms are Ottilie and Odile. In many countries Otto has enjoyed a modern revival, appreciated for its vintage charm and strong, auspicious meaning.

Otto has the following similar or variant Names

Famous people with the name Otto

Otto of Greece Royal · Born 1815 · Kingdom of Bavaria Otto of Greece was the first modern King of Greece, ascending to the throne in 1832 after the Greek War of Independence. He was born in 1815 in the Kingdom of Bavaria and ruled until 1862. Otto's reign was marked by efforts to establish a stable government and promote economic development, although his rule faced challenges due to political unrest and opposition from Greek nationalists. Otto IV, Holy Roman Emperor Royal · Born 1175 · Germany Otto IV was a significant figure in medieval European history, known for being the Holy Roman Emperor from 1209 to 1215. He was involved in the power struggles of the time, including conflicts with the papacy and other European monarchs. His reign was marked by attempts to consolidate imperial power in Germany and Italy. Otto Sander Actor · Born 1941 · Germany Otto Sander was a German actor best known for his role as the angel Cassiel in the film Wings of Desire. He also appeared in the sequel, Faraway, So Close!, and lent his voice to the character of the narrator in the German version of The NeverEnding Story. Sander's deep voice and distinctive presence made him a memorable figure in German cinema.
Otto Preminger Actor · Born 1905 · United States Otto Preminger was a prominent film director and producer, best known for his work in the mid-20th century. He directed classics like 'Laura' and 'Anatomy of a Murder', which showcased his talent for creating gripping narratives. His films often pushed boundaries and explored controversial themes. Ottokar I of Bohemia Royal · Born 1167 Ottokar I of Bohemia was a significant medieval ruler who became the first King of Bohemia in 1198. He is most famous for establishing the Přemyslid dynasty's power and securing the hereditary royal title for Bohemia. His reign marked a period of political stability and economic growth in the region. Otto V or III, Duke of Bavaria Royal · Born 1261 · Hungary Otto III, Duke of Bavaria, was a notable historical figure known for his role as Duke of Bavaria and his involvement in the politics of Hungary during the late 13th century. Born in 1261, he played a significant part in the dynastic struggles of his time.

Otto – Popularity by country

Based on birth registration data from national statistics agencies.

Country Gender Year Rank Born of
Germany Boys 2025 #1 423
Ireland Boys 2025 #1 836
BI 0 #12 1 425
Sweden Boys 2022 #14 469 1,509
BW 0 #18 2 960
NA 0 #27 7 2,537
SV Boys 0 #28 1 352
ID 0 #39 1 2,238
NL Boys 2014 #46 27 79
MO 0 #52 1 2,706
AL 0 #76 1 2,372
AO 0 #77 1 2,729
Finland Boys 0 #78 1,472 2,041
Finland Boys 2026 #80 8,035 3,552
MD Boys 0 #81 1 756
CN 0 #85 2 3,857
Norway Boys 2025 #88 52 444
MD Girls 0 #92 1 865
TW 0 #100 4 4,523
ID Girls 0 #102 1 3,319
QA 0 #106 1 7,011
GE Boys 0 #108 3 2,055
EE Boys 0 #110 16 2,087
GT Boys 0 #110 1,072 7,625
HU 0 #113 3 1,675
EC 0 #121 1 2,502
Austria Boys 0 #125 679 2,180
Switzerland Boys 2024 #126 12 1,769
NA Boys 0 #128 113 6,830
ID Boys 0 #130 6 4,130
Belgium Boys 2024 #131 58 401
CY Boys 0 #131 1 3,473
HU Boys 0 #135 41 3,954
BW Boys 0 #137 13 4,685
PA 0 #138 1 3,797
BN Boys 0 #139 1 6,332
CZ Boys 0 #140 238 6,530
LT Boys 0 #149 3 2,166
BW Girls 0 #150 2 4,216
RS Boys 0 #154 1 2,277
Finland 0 #157 189 830
CR 0 #160 6 5,526
CZ 0 #167 19 3,154
PR Boys 0 #171 8 2,508
GT 0 #179 140 5,948
MT Boys 0 #179 1 4,064
UY 0 #180 3 2,477
HR 0 #181 1 2,081
AE 0 #187 1 10,220
LU Girls 0 #190 1 4,850
Austria 0 #191 23 850
DK 0 #200 7 5,198
LU Boys 0 #207 12 4,970
SI Boys 0 #209 3 3,402
IR 0 #210 20 4,221
TW Boys 0 #211 31 7,111
DK Boys 0 #218 109 7,401
EC Boys 0 #220 20 3,322
Canada Boys 2024 #221 88 2,588
MO Boys 0 #226 9 5,842
NA Girls 0 #234 4 7,146
HR Boys 0 #241 18 3,997
AO Boys 0 #248 2 5,568
GH 0 #248 1 5,396
JP Girls 0 #250 2 6,592
United States Boys 2024 #255 1,239 7,044
EC Girls 0 #258 1 3,650
MO Girls 0 #263 1 7,056
GR Boys 0 #268 6 6,912
Germany Boys 0 #269 1,430 5,697
NG 0 #272 1 5,926
SG 0 #281 2 11,010
KZ Boys 0 #289 8 6,578
JM Boys 0 #292 2 6,876
PE 0 #296 15 6,350
CN Boys 0 #298 22 9,639
JP Boys 0 #301 3 7,909
AL Boys 0 #302 2 5,122
SA 0 #311 2 10,560
PL Boys 0 #324 12 6,459
CR Boys 0 #327 174 10,188
HK 0 #331 18 8,483
BR 0 #336 10 5,969
NL 0 #336 56 2,481
CZ Girls 0 #351 1 5,378
NL Boys 0 #351 997 5,873
IR Boys 0 #353 225 10,162
MY 0 #354 1 12,352
HK Boys 0 #356 184 12,905
PT Boys 0 #357 11 7,951
UY Boys 0 #363 37 5,922
France Boys 2021 #365 23 2,865
Germany 0 #365 74 2,542
MU Boys 0 #367 3 8,477
JO Boys 0 #389 1 7,057
MX 0 #397 17 8,339
CL 0 #399 13 6,867
ZA 0 #401 47 14,421
BO 0 #403 6 6,868
PH Boys 0 #403 6 11,440
EG 0 #409 4 6,387
AR Boys 0 #418 50 7,628
PA Boys 0 #419 63 9,305
CO 0 #431 50 7,768
Spain 0 #440 13 2,326
RU Boys 0 #446 60 12,621
CO Boys 0 #450 662 15,656
SD Boys 0 #460 7 10,523
GT Girls 0 #494 12 7,500
CM Boys 0 #498 53 12,054
PA Girls 0 #518 1 9,861
RU Girls 0 #521 3 11,913
BO Boys 0 #525 68 9,244
IQ Girls 0 #525 1 11,303
UY Girls 0 #535 2 6,731
IR Girls 0 #545 1 8,334
CM Girls 0 #557 4 11,671
PS Boys 0 #557 5 10,655
CL Boys 0 #564 102 13,390
CR Girls 0 #573 1 11,342
PE Boys 0 #577 346 14,506
BD Boys 0 #604 2 10,045
IL Boys 0 #620 6 10,983
AR Girls 0 #629 2 8,289
BR Boys 0 #631 122 12,213
SG Girls 0 #632 1 18,916
HK Girls 0 #645 6 16,104
BO Girls 0 #651 1 9,488
SG Boys 0 #676 22 17,960
IT 0 #678 37 4,183
IQ Boys 0 #695 3 13,071
QA Boys 0 #737 7 18,093
SY 0 #765 3 11,684
ZA Boys 0 #766 457 25,619
Spain Boys 0 #770 162 5,610
Germany Girls 0 #792 47 4,949
KW Boys 0 #803 4 18,755
NG Girls 0 #818 9 15,093
MX Boys 0 #829 155 16,355
TN 0 #859 7 13,765
EG Boys 0 #876 11 15,035
NG Boys 0 #903 49 16,906
CL Girls 0 #915 1 14,098
OM Boys 0 #916 3 17,948
IT Boys 0 #924 579 10,046
BR Girls 0 #992 1 12,708
EG Girls 0 #1,008 2 14,742
PE Girls 0 #1,008 3 14,861
SA Girls 0 #1,013 2 25,931
IN Boys 0 #1,037 3 16,750
MY Girls 0 #1,071 2 24,821
MY Boys 0 #1,071 41 25,439
MA 0 #1,108 21 20,986
ZA Girls 0 #1,120 22 25,928
AE Boys 0 #1,138 6 22,615
CO Girls 0 #1,148 5 16,140
DZ 0 #1,162 15 20,130
TR 0 #1,194 18 19,440
IT Girls 0 #1,412 35 9,415
SA Boys 0 #1,605 10 28,008

Otto is popular in 85 countries — most recent births per country:

Norway
France
NL
Sweden
United States

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People also ask about Otto

Otto is predominantly a boy's name.
Otto is a 2 syllable name, pronounced EN (US/UK): /ˈɑːtoʊ/ or /ˈɒtəʊ/ (OT-toe); DE: /ˈɔto/ (AW-to).
Common nicknames and spelling variations include Otho, Ottó, Ottone, Otte, Ottorino and Odo.
Yes, very popular — Otto ranked #1 in Germany in 2025, and appears in official birth registries across 12 countries.
Otto ranks highest in Germany (#1 in 2025).
Otto's popularity is rising significantly. It moved from #118 in 2015 to #88 in 2025 in Norway.
Yes — 9 notable people named Otto are in our database, including Otto of Greece (Royal), Otto IV, Holy Roman Emperor (Royal), Otto Sander (Actor).