Osa

♀ Girl

Pronounced OH-suh /ˈoʊ.sə/Medium

Meaning: Three honest routes. In Sweden and Norway, Osa is a spelling of Asa, an old Norse name linked to the gods (from ass, 'god'). In Spanish, osa is simply 'she-bear'. Among the Edo people of Nigeria, Osa is a name linked to Osanobua, God. Which route applies depends entirely on the family.Low

In 30 seconds: Osa is a Scandinavian name (Asa), the Spanish word for 'she-bear', and a Nigerian Edo name — routes vary, which we note (said 'OH-suh').

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Origin LowSwedish, Spanish, Nigerian

MeaningThree honest routes. In Sweden and Norway, Osa is a spelling of Asa, an old Norse name linked to the gods (from ass, 'god'). In Spanish, osa is simply 'she-bear'. Among the Edo people of Nigeria, Osa is a name linked to Osanobua, God. Which route applies depends entirely on the family.

U.S. rank (2024)#17013 ↘ Falling

2024 U.S. births5 girls (0.00% of U.S. girls)

Peak year1892

Total births (all-time)≈ 673

Popularity in the U.S. · SSA data

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

SSA data updated May 2026. How we source & verify this data.

History & Origin

Osa is a short name with three real and unrelated routes. In Sweden and Norway it spells Asa, an old Norse name from ass, 'god'. In Spanish, osa is the everyday word for a female bear. And among the Edo of Nigeria, Osa is tied to Osanobua, God. Rather than choose one, we lay all three out and let families pick their own (said 'OH-suh').

It appears only rarely in the U.S. Rare, short, and carried by several traditions at once.

Did you know? Three peoples arrived at Osa by different roads: Norse families from Asa, a name of the old gods; Spanish speakers from osa, 'she-bear'; and Edo families in Nigeria from a name tied to God. We give all three honestly.

Overall data confidence 35%

References — Osa — Swedish Asa; Spanish osa 'she-bear'; Edo (Nigerian) Osa

Variations

AsaOssaOsah

Nicknames

OsOzzie

Famous Bearers

Famous bearers coming soon.

If you like Osa…

Asa— the Scandinavian name Osa spells

Ursa— another she-bear name

Oona— a like short O- name

Ines— a like trim Spanish classic

Explore names like Osa

By themespanish short scandinavian nigerian

By meaningGod / Divine Truth

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Frequently Asked

What does the name Osa mean?

It depends on the route: a Scandinavian form of Asa (from Norse 'god'), Spanish for 'she-bear', or an Edo Nigerian name tied to God.

How do you pronounce Osa?

It's said OH-suh /ˈoʊ.sə/ — two syllables, stress on the first.

Is Osa a boy or girl name?

Osa is used here as a girl's name; among the Edo it can be given to boys as well.

How popular is Osa?

Osa is a rare name for girls in the U.S.