Otilia

Meaning & origin

Otilia is a name with ancient Germanic roots, but its usage in the United States has been relatively modest. First recorded in American baby name data in 1893, Otilia saw its highest popularity in 1935, when it ranked highest among the decades. After a long period of decline, the name has been on the rise again since 2005, showing renewed interest in vintage names. In 2025, Otilia ranked 6,325, with approximately 1 in every 89,293 baby girls receiving the name. This revival places Otilia among a growing trend of late 19th and early 20th century names regaining favor. Its connection to Saint Odilia gives it a subtle religious heritage, while its soft, melodic sound appeals to parents seeking a less common alternative to similar names like Ophelia or Olivia. Though not statistically a top choice, Otilia maintains a steady, if sparse, presence in the modern naming landscape.

Otilia is a Latinized form of the Germanic name Odilia, derived from 'od' meaning 'wealth, fortune'. It is the feminine form of the male name Odo or Otto. The name has been used in various European cultures since the Middle Ages, often in honor of Saint Odilia (also known as Ottilia), the patroness of Alsace. Otilia became more common in English-speaking countries in the 19th century and continues to see periodic use.