Othal

♂ Boy

Pronounced OH-thuhl /ˈoʊθəl/Low

Meaning: Othal is a rare early-twentieth-century American name, most likely a form of Othel or Otho, from a Germanic root meaning 'wealth' or 'fortune.' The same root gives the ancient rune othala, which stood for ancestral property and inheritance. It was one of many short, distinctive names used across the rural American South.Low

In 30 seconds: Othal is an old Southern boy's name linked to the Germanic Otho, 'wealth,' and the rune othala, 'inheritance.' Very rare, it peaked around 1919 (said OH-thuhl).

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Origin LowGermanic

MeaningOthal is a rare early-twentieth-century American name, most likely a form of Othel or Otho, from a Germanic root meaning 'wealth' or 'fortune.' The same root gives the ancient rune othala, which stood for ancestral property and inheritance. It was one of many short, distinctive names used across the rural American South.

U.S. rank (1944)#3788 ↘ Falling

1944 U.S. births5 boys (0.00% of U.S. boys)

Peak year1919

Total births (all-time)≈ 174

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

Othal belongs to a cluster of rare rural names - Othel, Othar, Otho - built on a Germanic element meaning 'wealth' or 'fortune,' the same root behind the rune othala, 'ancestral inheritance.' Such short, sturdy names were a feature of the early-twentieth-century South.

It was always very rare, given to only about fifteen boys a year at its peak around 1919, and had all but vanished by mid-century. A boy named Othal then would belong to a great-grandfather's generation today.

Did you know? The root behind Othal survives in the old rune othala, which stood for a family's inherited land - a fitting echo for a name from the land-working American South.

Overall data confidence 35%

References - Othal — Variant of Othel/Otho; Germanic 'wealth'; rune othala 'inheritance'; early-century Southern

Variations

OthelOtharOthoOthell

Nicknames

OthOtt

Famous Bearers

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If you like Othal…

Othel— a near-twin variant of the same name

Odell— a like short vintage boy's name

Otis— a similar early-century boy's name

Orval— a related rural vintage name

Explore names like Othal

By themerare vintage germanic southern

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Frequently Asked

What does the name Othal mean?

It is an old name linked to the Germanic Otho, 'wealth,' and the rune othala, 'inheritance.'

How do you pronounce Othal?

It is said OH-thuhl /ˈoʊθəl/ - two syllables.

Is Othal a boy or girl name?

Othal is used as a boy's name.

How popular is Othal?

It was always very rare, given to only about fifteen boys a year at its peak in the late nineteen-tens.