Holding steady.
Popularity of Othelia since 1895
Babies named Othelia per year in U.S. Social Security records. Raw births topped out in 1917, but relative to how few babies were recorded back then, Othelia's real moment was 1895.
Data table (by decade)
| Decade | Girls |
|---|---|
| 1890s | 7 |
| 1900s | 20 |
| 1910s | 98 |
| 1920s | 104 |
| 1930s | 58 |
| 1940s | 27 |
| 1950s | 12 |
| 1960s | 0 |
| 1970s | 0 |
| 1980s | 0 |
| 1990s | 0 |
| 2000s | 0 |
| 2010s | 0 |
| 2020s | 0 |
Meaning & origin
Othelia is an exceedingly rare feminine name with German roots, likely a variant of Othilia or Ottilia. It first appeared in U.S. birth records in 1895, which also marks its peak year of usage. Since then, it has maintained a stable but minimal presence, with no recorded usage in the top 1000 rankings. The name carries a vintage, melodic quality reminiscent of better-known names like Ophelia or Cordelia but remains distinct. Its rarity makes it a unique choice for parents seeking something uncommon with historical depth. The trajectory of its usage has been consistently small, with no significant revival in any decade.
Othelia is likely a variant of Othilia, the feminine form of the German name Otto. It may also be connected to the Greek word 'othos', meaning 'to swell' or 'to increase', though this is less certain. The name was occasionally used in the late 19th and early 20th centuries, particularly in the United States, with a peak in 1895.
Nicknames & variants
Nicknames: Othie, Lia, Thea
Sibling names for Othelia
Names that share Othelia's style, for a brother or sister.
