Otis
Meaning of Otis
The name Otis is a classic male name of German origin, derived from the medieval given name "Odo," meaning "wealth" or "prosperity." Pronounced as OH-tis (/ˈoʊ.tɪs/), Otis has a timeless appeal and has been a popular choice for parents over the decades. It is often associated with strength and reliability, perhaps due to its historical roots and the notable figures who have borne the name, such as soul legend Otis Redding. While it has seen fluctuations in popularity over the years, Otis remains a beloved choice for many families. In recent years, it has maintained a steady presence in baby name rankings in the United States, showing an enduring charm that continues to attract new parents. A common variation of this name is Odis, offering an alternative spelling while preserving its unique sound and heritage.
Pronunciation
British English
- Pronunced as OH-tis (/ˈəʊ.tɪs/)
American English
- Pronunced as OH-tis (/ˈoʊ.tɪs/)
U.S. Popularity Chart
States Popularity Chart
Notable People Named Otis
| Otis Ray Redding Jr. was a renowned American singer and songwriter, known as the "King of Soul," whose influential style continues to inspire artists in the soul music genre. |
| Otis Rush Jr. was a renowned American blues guitarist and singer-songwriter, known for his distinctive slow-burning guitar style that influenced many musicians, including Eric Clapton and Peter Green. |
| Otis Ray Bowen was a prominent American politician and physician who served as the 44th Governor of Indiana and as Secretary of Health and Human Services in the Reagan administration. |
| Otis Williams is an American tenor/baritone singer, songwriter, and record producer, best known as the founder and last surviving original member of the Motown vocal group The Temptations. |
| Otis Fitzgerald Smith is a former professional basketball player known for his college career at Jacksonville. |
| Otis Junior Nixon, a former professional baseball center fielder, is known for his impressive career spanning from 1983 to 1999, during which he played for various teams and became the leading base stealer of the 1990s. |
| Otis Taylor was a standout American professional football wide receiver known for his career with the Kansas City Chiefs in the American Football League (AFL). |
| Otis Frank Boykin was an American inventor and engineer known for his electrical resistors used in computing, missile guidance, and pacemakers. |
| Otis Ray Wilson is a former NFL linebacker, known for winning a Super Bowl with the 1985 Chicago Bears and being the father of former Cincinnati Bengals running back Quincy Wilson. |
| Otis Clark, a survivor of the Tulsa race massacre, went on to work as a Hollywood butler for famous movie stars, including Clark Gable, Charlie Chaplin, and Joan Crawford. |
| Otis Armstrong - Otis D. Armstrong was a prominent American professional football player known for his career as a running back with the Denver Broncos in the NFL from 1973 to 1980. |
| Otis Anderson Jr. - Otis Lee Anderson Jr. was a former NFL running back who tragically passed away in 2021. |
| Otis Grant was an American football wide receiver who played three seasons in the NFL with the Los Angeles Rams and Philadelphia Eagles after being drafted by the Rams in 1983. |
| Otis Allen Davis, also known as "Scat," was a one-time pinch runner for the Brooklyn Dodgers in 1946. |
| Otis Johnson - Otis "Jet" Johnson was a prominent American sprinter and national outdoor champion known for his success in relay events and his service in the U.S. Army. |
