A 1890s favorite, climbing again.
Popularity of Oswald since 1880
Babies named Oswald per year in U.S. Social Security records. Raw births topped out in 1916, but relative to how few babies were recorded back then, Oswald's real moment was 1897.
Data table (by decade)
| Decade | Boys |
|---|---|
| 1880s | 101 |
| 1890s | 115 |
| 1900s | 141 |
| 1910s | 750 |
| 1920s | 763 |
| 1930s | 375 |
| 1940s | 243 |
| 1950s | 276 |
| 1960s | 218 |
| 1970s | 211 |
| 1980s | 210 |
| 1990s | 183 |
| 2000s | 189 |
| 2010s | 282 |
| 2020s | 350 |
Meaning & origin
Oswald is a classic Old English name that reached its peak popularity in 1897, when it ranked among the top names for boys. After a long decline, it has been slowly rising again since 1995, suggesting a modest revival. The name is particularly favored in states like Arizona, Ohio, and Illinois, and carries strong historical and saintly associations. With its distinctive sound and vintage charm, Oswald appeals to parents seeking a name with deep roots and a revivalist spirit.
Oswald derives from the Old English elements 'os' (god) and 'weald' (power, ruler). It was the name of a 7th-century Anglo-Saxon king of Northumbria, later venerated as a saint. The name remained in use throughout medieval England and was revived in the 19th century.
Where Oswald is most popular
Births per 100,000 boys by state, 2025. The lightest shade means too few recorded births.
“Oswald” around the world
Where Oswald lands in the latest official birth statistics abroad, matched to the U.S. spelling.
France
5
babies in 2024
Sources: INSEE (France).
Nicknames & variants
Nicknames: Ozzy, Oz, Wally
Sibling names for Oswald
Names that share Oswald's style, for a brother or sister.
Sisters: Edith, Mabel, Winifred, Beatrice, Agnes, Alfreda, Alfrieda, Elfreda, Edwinna, Fedora, Beda, Guelda, Herberta, Ludella, Odesser, Otillia, Penda, Walda
Brothers: Edgar, Alfred, Wilfred, Harold, Clarence, Adelbert, Edrick, Eldred, Gerold, Hilbert, Randolph, Sedric, Aldrich, Edwyn, Egbert, Esmond, Humphrey, Seward, Ulric, Athel, Everard, Goodwin, Olanda, Osmond, Randolf, Reinhardt, Wilmont, Ellard, Theodus, Aldous, Cuthbert, Ethelbert, Rodolph, Sebert
