"wealth, fortune"
Origin: Germanic
Language: Old German
Otis
Pronunciation: [ OHT-ihs ]
Does Otis flow with your last name?
A vintage charmer with soul music in its bones
Germanic
English
American
Vintage
Playful
Bold
Strong
Earthy
Reviewed by the NamingEverything Editorial Team · Updated
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Meaning & Origin
"son of Otto"
Origin: English surname
Language: English
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The Story of Otis
Otis derives from the medieval German 'Ode' or 'Otto,' meaning 'wealth' or 'fortune.' It entered English as a surname, the 'son of Otto.' In the United States, the name gained prominence through Elisha Otis, the inventor of the safety elevator in 1852, whose Otis Elevator Company became one of America's most important industrial firms. The name has Old Germanic royal lineage — Otto I was the Holy Roman Emperor who founded the medieval German empire.
Otis was popular in the late 19th and early 20th century US (top 100 from 1880-1930), fell out of fashion mid-century, and is now experiencing a major vintage revival. It ranked in the US top 200 by 2020 and continues climbing, loved by parents who want something old-fashioned but not overdone.
Otis Redding (1941-1967) gave the name lasting soul music credibility — his emotional depth and vocal power made 'Otis' synonymous with genuine musical artistry. The name also carries industrial American pride through the Otis Elevator Company.
Historical Record
Otis first appeared in US Social Security records in 1950.
Over 24,907 babies have been named Otis in the United States since SSA records began.
Today, Otis is past its peak , currently ranked #733 for boy names in the US .
Fun Facts
- Elisha Otis demonstrated the safety of his elevator by dramatically cutting the cable while standing in it at the 1854 World's Fair — the birth of modern skyscrapers
- Otis Redding wrote '(Sittin' On) The Dock of the Bay' days before his fatal plane crash in 1967; it became his only #1 hit, released posthumously
Otis in Other Languages
French
Otis
German
Otto
Italian
Otis
Spanish
Otis
Popularity Over Time
#733
Current Rank
Rising
Trend
Peaked 1950
Based on SSA data 1880–present
Year-by-year popularity data will be available soon.
Famous People Named Otis
O
Otis Redding
Musician
1941
American soul singer and songwriter, one of the greatest voices in soul music history, known for 'Try a Little Tendernes...
American soul singer and songwriter, one of the greatest voices in soul music history, known for 'Try a Little Tenderness' and 'Sittin' On the Dock of the Bay'
E
Elisha Otis
Engineer
1811
American inventor who created the safety elevator in 1852, enabling modern skyscraper construction
O
Otis (Sex Education) Fictional
Other
Otis Milburn, the awkward but kind teenage protagonist of the Netflix series 'Sex Education'
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See all →Quick Facts
- Gender
- Boy
- Syllables
- 2
- Popularity Rank
- #733
- Total SSA Count
- 358
- Cultural Origins
- Germanic English American
- Pronunciation
- Easy
- Formality
- Moderate
- Cross-Cultural Ease
- High
Common Nicknames
Ots
Middle Name Ideas
Suggested pairings based on syllable flow and style
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Timeless choice, English heritage match, extended 2-3 combo
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Timeless choice, English heritage match, extended 2-3 combo
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Timeless choice, smooth 2-2 syllable flow
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Timeless choice, smooth 2-2 syllable flow
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Timeless choice, smooth 2-2 syllable flow
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Timeless choice, smooth 2-1 syllable flow
-
Timeless choice, smooth 2-2 syllable flow
-
Timeless choice, English heritage match, extended 2-3 combo
-
Timeless choice, smooth 2-2 syllable flow
-
Timeless choice, English heritage match, extended 2-3 combo
Middle Names
Middle Names for Otis
7 name pairings with syllable flow tips
Sibling Names
Sibling Match
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Also a Girl Name
Otis is also used as a girl name, ranked #49052.
View Otis as a girl name →Similar Names
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Same Origin Names (Germanic)
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Frequently Asked Questions About Otis
What does the name Otis mean?
"wealth, fortune" (from Germanic). "son of Otto" (from English surname). Otis derives from the medieval German 'Ode' or 'Otto,' meaning 'wealth' or 'fortune.' It entered English as a surname, the 'son of Otto.' In the United States, the name gained prominence through Elisha Otis, the inventor of the safety elevator in 1852, whose Otis Elevator Company became one of America's most important industrial firms. The name has Old Germanic royal lineage — Otto I was the Holy Roman Emperor who founded the medieval German empire.
What is the origin of the name Otis?
Otis has Germanic, English surname, English, and American origins. In Germanic, it means "wealth, fortune". In English surname, it means "son of Otto".
Is Otis a boy or girl name?
Otis is used as both a boy and girl name. As a boy name, it is ranked #733. As a girl name, it is ranked #49052. Otis is more commonly used as a boy name.
How do you pronounce Otis?
Otis is pronounced OHT-ihs.
How popular is the name Otis?
Otis is currently ranked #733 in popularity for boy names in the United States.
What are common nicknames for Otis?
Common nicknames for Otis include Ots.
What are good middle names for Otis?
Popular middle name pairings include Otis James, Otis Lee, Otis Ray, Otis Gray, Otis Dean, Otis Miles, and Otis Henry.
What are good sibling names for Otis?
Names that pair well with Otis as siblings include Hazel, Mabel, Rufus, Arlo, Clementine, Walt, and Pearl.
How many syllables does Otis have?
Otis has 2 syllables, making it easy to say and remember.
Is Otis a common or rare name?
Otis is moderately common, ranked #733 for boys in the US. You will encounter it, but it stands out.
About the Name Otis
Otis is a boy name with Germanic, English, and American origins . The name means "wealth, fortune" in Germanic .
Is Otis a boy or girl name? Otis is used as both a boy and girl name. As a boy name, it ranks #733 in popularity. As a girl name, it ranks #49,052. Otis is more commonly used as a boy name.
Otis is currently ranked #733 in popularity for boy names in the United States.
The name Otis has 2 syllables and is pronounced OHT-ihs, making it easy to pronounce and remember.
Common nicknames for Otis include Ots. These shorter forms provide casual alternatives while keeping the elegance of the full name.
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Sources
- U.S. Social Security Administration — National Baby Names Data (popularity rankings and historical trends)
- Behind the Name (etymology and meaning research)
- NamingEverything editorial research and analysis