Ozzy

♂ Boy

Pronounced OZ-ee /ˈɒz.i/High

Meaning: Pet form of Oswald or Oscar (and sometimes Ozymandias); Oswald derives from Old English os ('god, divine') and weald ('power, rule'), meaning 'divine power'; used independently as a lively two-syllable nameHigh

In 30 seconds: Ozzy is an exuberant Old English pet name meaning 'divine power,' best known as the rock nickname of Ozzy Osbourne. Two syllables, full of personality, and part of the -ie/-y nickname-name revival.

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Origin HighOld English, German

MeaningPet form of Oswald or Oscar (and sometimes Ozymandias); Oswald derives from Old English os ('god, divine') and weald ('power, rule'), meaning 'divine power'; used independently as a lively two-syllable name

U.S. rank (2025)#549 ↗ Rising

2025 U.S. births548 boys (0.03% of U.S. boys)

Peak year2025

Total births (all-time)≈ 4,176

Popularity in the U.S. · SSA data

U.S. births per year (Social Security Administration, 1880–present). Pink marker = peak year.

History & Origin

Ozzy is most commonly a pet form of Oswald (Old English os, 'god' + weald, 'power'), though it can also shorten Oscar (os, 'god' + gar, 'spear') or the ancient name Ozymandias (from Greek/Egyptian). Oswald was a venerated Anglo-Saxon saint and king of Northumbria, making the root name one of genuine medieval prestige. The affectionate -y/-ie ending gives it a modern, approachable energy.

Ozzy as a standalone registered name has been climbing in the United States in the 2010s and 2020s, riding the wave of short, vintage-tinged nickname names like Archie, Freddie, and Alfie. Heavy metal legend Ozzy Osbourne both attracts and occasionally deters parents — depending on their musical sympathies — but the name's cheerful sound wins over many who simply like its bounce.

Did you know? Ozzy Osbourne, born John Michael Osbourne, acquired the nickname Ozzy as a schoolboy in Birmingham — a Brummie shortening of his surname — and the name became synonymous with heavy metal's 'Prince of Darkness.'

Overall data confidence 85%

U.S. Social Security Administration — popularity data

Variations

OzzieOswaldOscar

Nicknames

Famous Bearers

★Ozzy Osbourne (1948–present)
British heavy metal singer and songwriter, frontman of Black Sabbath and solo rock legend.

If you like Ozzy…

Archie— shares the vintage -ie nickname-name feel and the same boyish, buoyant energy

Freddie— fellow Old English pet-form name enjoying the same nickname-as-given-name revival

Alfie— another -ie nickname-name from Old English roots riding the same retro revival wave

Louie— playful two-syllable nickname-name with the same informal, warm, retro character

Frequently Asked

What does the name Ozzy mean?

Ozzy is a pet form of Oswald, from Old English os (god, divine) and weald (power, rule), meaning 'divine power.' It can also short-form Oscar or simply stand alone.

How do you pronounce Ozzy?

It is said OZ-ee — two syllables, stress on the first.

Is Ozzy a boy or girl name?

Ozzy is used almost exclusively as a boys' name.

How popular is Ozzy?

Ozzy is rising in the U.S. as a standalone given name, part of the broader vintage nickname-name revival alongside Archie and Freddie.