Odilia

Meaning & origin

Odilia is a rare but historically grounded name with Germanic roots and saintly associations. First recorded in the U.S. in 1915, it reached its peak rank of 6,838 in 1922, a time when many classic Germanic names were more common. After a long period of decline, the name has been slowly rising again since 2002. Today, it remains uncommon, with only 1 in 100,454 girls receiving the name in 2025. Its revival aligns with a broader trend of reviving early 20th century names, though it has not yet appeared among the top states for usage. Odilia offers a distinctive alternative to more familiar names like Olivia or Amelia, with a clear pronunciation and a subtle historical depth that connects to both Germanic heritage and Catholic tradition.

Odilia is a feminine name of Germanic origin, likely derived from the root 'od' meaning 'wealth' or 'fortune'. It may also be connected to the name Odelia. The name was borne by Saint Odilia (also known as Odile), an 8th-century saint venerated in the Catholic Church, which helped spread its use in Germanic and French regions. It experienced modest popularity in the United States in the early 20th century, peaking in the 1920s.