MallowbyNames

Oden

OH-dən · Fury, rage, inspiration, or poetry; possibly related to the Old Norse root óðr.

2025 rank (boys)
#2,020
Babies named in 2025
74
Peak popularity
2022
2025 frequency
1 in 23,082 boys
Usually for
Boys
Trend
Declining since 2022

Declining since 2022, #2,020 for boys today.

Popularity of Oden since 1912

Babies named Oden per year in U.S. Social Security records.

3468102192019602000Most births 2022Boys
Data table (by decade)
DecadeBoys
1910s66
1920s74
1930s28
1940s11
1950s5
1960s0
1970s6
1980s0
1990s0
2000s228
2010s653
2020s503

Meaning & origin

Oden is a modern spelling variant of Odin, the Norse god of wisdom, war, and poetry. First recorded in the U.S. in 1912, the name has gained modest traction in the 21st century, ranking 2020 in 2025 with roughly 1 in 23082 boys receiving it. Its peak came in 2022, after which it has shown a declining trajectory through 2024 and into 2025. Oden has been most popular in Ohio and California, reflecting its appeal in states with Scandinavian heritage and cultural diversity. While the name remains uncommon, its mythological weight gives it a distinct presence. Parents attracted to Norse themes may pair it with siblings like Freya, Thor, or Astrid.

Oden is a modern spelling variant of Odin, the name of the chief god in Norse mythology. The Old Norse Óðinn derives from óðr, meaning 'fury, inspiration, or poetry.' The name has seen contemporary use in Scandinavia and the United States, sometimes chosen for its mythological resonance.

Where Oden is most popular

Births per 100,000 boys by state, 2025. The lightest shade means too few recorded births.

Oden” around the world

Where Oden lands in the latest official birth statistics abroad, matched to the U.S. spelling.

  • France

    10

    babies in 2024

Sources: INSEE (France).

Nicknames & variants

Nicknames: Odie, Denny

Variants: Odin, Othin, Woden

Sibling names for Oden

Names that share Oden's style, for a brother or sister.

Sisters: Freya, Astrid, Ingrid, Sigrid, Thora

Brothers: Thor, Bjorn, Erik, Leif, Ulf

A parent animal hugging its little one, the personalized name page

O is for Oden, our favorite little boy.

O is for Oden…”

In a Mallowby alphabet book, Oden's letter becomes Oden's page: hand-illustrated, printed hardcover or paperback, made just for them.

Make Oden's book

Books for siblings or grandkids? The second book is 15% off.

Questions parents ask

What does the name Oden mean?
Oden is a variant of Odin, derived from Old Norse óðr, meaning fury, inspiration, or poetry. It is associated with the chief god in Norse mythology.
How popular is the name Oden?
As of 2025, Oden ranked 2020 in the U.S., with about 1 in 23082 newborn boys receiving the name. Its peak year was 2022, but it has been falling in popularity since 2024.
Is Oden a boy's or girl's name?
Oden is almost exclusively used as a boy's name in the U.S., ranking among male names since records began in 1912.