Otis
Otis: name meaning, origin and popularity
Pronunciation (IPA): /หoสtษชs/ ยท /หษสtษชs/
Meaning and origin of Otis
- A surname transferred from the given name, notably of the American revolutionary hero James Otis and the innovator and industrialist Elisha Otis.
- A male given name from the Germanic languages, transferred from the surname.
Etymology
A patronymic surname derived from Middle English genitive case of the Germanic given name Ote, Ode, cognate to modern Otto.
How popular is Otis?
Since 1880, 887 girls and 61,082 boys in the U.S. have been named Otis (1% girls). Its highest rank for girls was #1002 in 1900. Its highest rank for boys was #94 in 1899. In 2025 it ranked #652 for boys, with 422 babies given the name.
More Germanic boy names
Sibling name ideas for Otis
Sister and brother names that share Otis's Germanic roots and are still in the U.S. top 1,000.
Otis FAQ
What does the name Otis mean?
A surname transferred from the given name, notably of the American revolutionary hero James Otis and the innovator and industrialist Elisha Otis. A male given name from the Germanic languages, transferred from the surname. A patronymic surname derived from Middle English genitive case of the Germanic given name Ote, Ode, cognate to modern Otto.
What is the origin of the name Otis?
Otis is listed as a name of Germanic origin.
How popular is the name Otis?
Since 1880, 887 girls and 61,082 boys in the U.S. have been named Otis (1% girls). Its highest rank for girls was #1002 in 1900. Its highest rank for boys was #94 in 1899. In 2025 it ranked #652 for boys, with 422 babies given the name.
Is Otis a boy or girl name?
Otis is mostly a boy name in the U.S.: 887 girls and 61,082 boys since 1880.
Popularity data: U.S. Social Security Administration baby name data, 1880โ2025 (names given to 5+ babies per year). Origin and etymology text: Wiktionary, available under CC BY-SA 4.0.