The nameOscar
Oscar is a boy's name of Irish origin, often read as "deer friend". A favourite in Britain and Scandinavia, it has been a top 10 name in England and Wales.
- Boy's name
- Irish
- Feast day
Meaning
Oscar is usually linked to the Irish os, "deer", and cara, "friend". A Germanic origin, from ans, "god", and gar, "spear", has also been suggested.
Origin
Irish. In Irish legend, Oscar is the grandson of Fionn mac Cumhaill. The poet James Macpherson made him famous in the 18th century with his Ossian poems.
History
Napoleon, a fan of Ossian, chose the name for his godson, who became King Oscar I of Sweden. Oscar Wilde made it famous in English. It has been in the top 10 in England and Wales for years. The Oscars, the film awards, share the name.
Oscar in other languages
Oscar is spelled the same in English, French, Spanish, Italian and Swedish. It is Oskar in German, Polish and Norwegian.
Nicknames for Oscar
The most common nicknames for Oscar: Ozzy and Ossie.
Did you know?
- Oscar Wilde died in Paris in 1900 and is buried in Père Lachaise cemetery.
- The architect Oscar Niemeyer designed the main buildings of Brasília.
Famous people named Oscar
- Oscar Wilde, writer
- Oscar I, King of Sweden
- Oscar Peterson, jazz pianist
- Oscar Piastri, racing driver
Popularity of the name Oscar
Oscar in the United States
Oscar was most popular in the United States in the 2000s, with 33,635 births over the decade, 16% of all recorded babies named Oscar. Half of all babies named Oscar in the United States were born before 1981, so it is mostly a parents' generation name. Over the last five years on record, it has been falling: 1,742 births a year on average, against 2,092 in the five years before.
Oscar in the United Kingdom
Oscar was most popular in the United Kingdom in the 2010s, with 39,207 births over the decade, 53% of all recorded babies named Oscar. Half of all babies named Oscar in the United Kingdom were born before 2015, so it is mostly a name of today's children and teenagers. Over the last five years on record, it has been falling: 3,038 births a year on average, against 3,777 in the five years before.
Oscar in Ireland
Oscar in France
Oscar in Belgium
Oscar in Switzerland
Oscar in Austria
Oscar in Norway
Sibling names for Oscar
Names from the same generation as Oscar, whose popularity in the United States has followed a similar path.
How many people are named Oscar? See the counter → · What would your name be in 1950? · Name origin quiz
Compare Oscar with another name
Meaning, origin and popularity of Oscar side by side with the name of your choice.
Oscar in our baby name lists
Frequently asked questions
What does the name Oscar mean?
Oscar is usually linked to the Irish os, "deer", and cara, "friend". A Germanic origin, from ans, "god", and gar, "spear", has also been suggested.
What is the origin of the name Oscar?
Irish. In Irish legend, Oscar is the grandson of Fionn mac Cumhaill. The poet James Macpherson made him famous in the 18th century with his Ossian poems.
Is Oscar a girl's or a boy's name?
Oscar is a boy's name.
How popular is the name Oscar?
In 2024, Oscar was the 217th most popular name for baby boys in the United States, with 1,656 births.
What are good sibling names for Oscar?
Names from the same generation, with a similar popularity in the United States: Ana, Carmen, Madeline and Daniela for a sister, Connor, Omar, Victor and Donovan for a brother.
What are common nicknames for Oscar?
The most common nicknames for Oscar are Ozzy and Ossie.
Who are famous people named Oscar?
Oscar Wilde, writer; Oscar I, King of Sweden; Oscar Peterson, jazz pianist; Oscar Piastri, racing driver.