Holding steady.
Popularity of Otelia since 1880
Babies named Otelia per year in U.S. Social Security records. Raw births topped out in 1923, but relative to how few babies were recorded back then, Otelia's real moment was 1890.
Data table (by decade)
| Decade | Girls |
|---|---|
| 1880s | 17 |
| 1890s | 83 |
| 1900s | 146 |
| 1910s | 235 |
| 1920s | 249 |
| 1930s | 163 |
| 1940s | 131 |
| 1950s | 87 |
| 1960s | 53 |
| 1970s | 13 |
| 1980s | 7 |
| 1990s | 0 |
| 2000s | 0 |
| 2010s | 0 |
| 2020s | 0 |
Meaning & origin
Otelia is a name that quietly appeared in late 19th-century America, with its peak year in 1890. Despite never ranking in the top 1000, it was recorded steadily through the 1890s, a decade when many ornate feminine names were in vogue. After the 1890s, its usage declined, and by the mid-20th century it had become exceedingly rare. The name has remained stable over time with no significant revival. Modern parents seeking a distinctive vintage name with a melodic sound might find Otelia appealing, though its rarity means it is often met with curiosity. Its uncertain etymology adds to its mystique, leaving room for personal interpretation.
Otelia is a rare feminine given name of uncertain derivation. It may have originated as a feminine form of Otis, a surname of English origin meaning 'wealth' or 'fortune'. Alternatively, it could be a variant of Ophelia, a Greek name meaning 'help'. The name saw limited use in the late 19th and early 20th centuries in the United States, peaking in popularity in the 1890s.
Nicknames & variants
Nicknames: Odie, Telia, Lee
Sibling names for Otelia
Names that share Otelia's style, for a brother or sister.
