Ottilie

Meaning & origin

Ottilie represents a classic Victorian-era name that is experiencing a revival in the 21st century. First recorded in the Social Security data in 1880, the name saw its peak in 1882, a typical pattern for names of the 1880s decade. After a long period of obscurity, Ottilie began a steady climb in 2011, reflecting a broader trend of reviving vintage names. In 2025, it ranked 2,933 with approximately 1 in 28,198 girls receiving the name, indicating its niche but growing appeal. The name is most popular in Virginia, suggesting regional interest. Ottilie's etymology ties to prosperity, and its association with Saint Ottilia gives it a gentle, historic resonance without being overly common.

Ottilie is the French and English form of the German name Ottilia, derived from the Old High German element 'ot' meaning 'wealth, fortune'. It is the feminine form of Otto. The name was popularized by Saint Ottilia (also Odilia), an 8th-century abbess patron saint of Alsace, who was said to have been born blind but gained sight upon baptism. It was introduced to England in the 19th century and saw moderate usage, particularly in the 1880s, then declined before a recent revival.