A 1900s favorite, climbing again.
Popularity of Ottis since 1880
Babies named Ottis per year in U.S. Social Security records. Raw births topped out in 1920, but relative to how few babies were recorded back then, Ottis's real moment was 1903.
Data table (by decade)
| Decade | Boys |
|---|---|
| 1880s | 55 |
| 1890s | 102 |
| 1900s | 151 |
| 1910s | 719 |
| 1920s | 1,080 |
| 1930s | 739 |
| 1940s | 561 |
| 1950s | 367 |
| 1960s | 221 |
| 1970s | 168 |
| 1980s | 95 |
| 1990s | 58 |
| 2000s | 31 |
| 2010s | 52 |
| 2020s | 74 |
Meaning & origin
Ottis is a classic American name that saw its peak popularity in 1903, ranking in the top 600 names at that time. After a long period of decline, the name has been experiencing a revival, with a steady rise in usage since 2008. In 2025, it ranked 5,861, given to approximately 1 in 113,872 boys, reflecting a modest but notable resurgence. The name's spelling variant, Ottis, offers a slightly distinct take on the more familiar Otis, which itself has Old German roots. While Ottis has never been a top-tier name, its long history and recent upward trajectory suggest it appeals to parents seeking a name with vintage charm and a unique edge.
Ottis is a spelling variant of Otis, a name that originated as a medieval English surname. The surname Otis is believed to be a patronymic meaning 'son of Ote,' where Ote itself is a short form of names beginning with the Germanic element 'od' (wealth, fortune), such as Otto. Otis gained popularity as a given name in the 19th century, particularly in the United States, and Ottis emerged as a less common alternative spelling.
Nicknames & variants
Nicknames: Ott
Variants: Otis
Sibling names for Ottis
Names that share Ottis's style, for a brother or sister.
