Otis
Meaning of Otis
Otis is a jaunty old soul with Germanic roots, a diminutive of the medieval Otto clan that carries the upbeat promise of “wealth” and “good fortune.” Pronounced simply OH-tis, the name peaked back in the Victorian era, dozed for decades, and is now enjoying a gentle renaissance—climbing the U.S. charts year after year like an eager kid up a tree. Culturally, Otis struts to a bluesy soundtrack courtesy of soul legend Otis Redding, pops up as the genial everyman in classic sitcoms, and even lends its badge to the world’s most famous elevators, giving the name an unexpected “rise.” The result is a blend of vintage charm and modern cool: sturdy, warm, and just quirky enough to turn heads on a preschool roll call. For parents seeking a name that feels both trusted and fresh, Otis delivers prosperity, rhythm, and a dash of playful swagger in two friendly syllables.
Pronunciation
British English
- Pronunced as OH-tis (/ˈəʊ.tɪs/)
American English
- Pronunced as OH-tis (/ˈoʊ.tɪs/)
U.S. Popularity Chart
States Popularity Chart
Notable People Named Otis
| Otis Redding, known as the "King of Soul," was an influential American singer-songwriter whose gospel-inspired voice defined soul music. |
| Otis Rush Jr. was an influential American blues guitarist known for his slow-burning sound and West Side Chicago blues style that inspired artists like Eric Clapton. |
| Otis Ray Bowen was an American politician and physician who served as Indiana's 44th governor and later as Secretary of Health and Human Services under President Ronald Reagan. |
| Otis Williams is the founder and last surviving original member of The Temptations, with whom he still performs and owns the rights to the name. |
| Otis Fitzgerald Smith is an American former NBA player who spent six seasons in the league after playing college basketball for the Jacksonville Dolphins. |
| Otis Junior Nixon was an MLB center fielder known for leading the 1990s in stolen bases and holding the record for most career steals without an All-Star appearance. |
| Otis Taylor Jr. was a professional football wide receiver who played his entire career for the Kansas City Chiefs in the American Football League. |
| Otis Frank Boykin was an American inventor and engineer known for his electrical resistors used in computing, missile guidance, and pacemakers. |
| Otis Ray Wilson is a former NFL linebacker who won a Super Bowl with the 1985 Chicago Bears and is the father of ex-Bengals running back Quincy Wilson. |
| Otis Clark survived the 1921 Tulsa race massacre and later worked as a Hollywood butler for stars like Clark Gable and Joan Crawford. |
| Otis Armstrong - Otis D. Armstrong was a Denver Broncos running back drafted ninth overall in 1973 and played his entire NFL career with the team until 1980. |
| Otis Anderson Jr. - Otis Lee Anderson Jr. was an American NFL running back who tragically gained national attention after being shot and killed by his father in 2021. |
| Otis Grant was an NFL wide receiver who played three seasons for the Los Angeles Rams and Philadelphia Eagles after being drafted from Michigan State. |
| Otis Davis - Otis "Scat" Davis made only one MLB appearance as a pinch runner for the 1946 Brooklyn Dodgers. |
| Otis Johnson - Otis "Jet" Johnson was an American sprinter who won national championships and multiple Penn Relays as part of Morgan State's relay teams. |
