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Othman

♂ Boy

Pronounced OOTH-mahn /ˈuθ.mɑn/Medium

Meaning: From Arabic Uthman, traditionally 'a young bustard (bird)'; the third caliph's nameMedium

In 30 seconds: A caliph's name: Othman is the Arabic Uthman — borne by the third caliph and the founder of the Ottoman Empire. Historic, dignified, and strong.

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Origin MediumArabic

MeaningFrom Arabic Uthman, traditionally 'a young bustard (bird)'; the third caliph's name

U.S. rank (2025)#3427 ↗ Rising

2025 U.S. births34 boys (0.00% of U.S. boys)

Peak year2022

Total births (all-time)≈ 537

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

Othman comes from Arabic Uthman, traditionally 'a young bustard (a bird)' — the name of the third Rashidun caliph, who compiled the Quran, and (as Osman) the founder of the Ottoman dynasty (the gloss is traditional, which we note). It carries deep history.

In the U.S. it appears in Muslim families. Rare, young-bustard at the (traditional) root, and historic.

Did you know? Uthman (Othman) was the third caliph of Islam — and Osman, founder of the Ottoman Empire, bore the same name; it traditionally means 'a young bustard'.

Overall data confidence 75%

Behind the Name — Uthman — gloss traditional

Variations

UthmanOsmanUsman

Nicknames

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Famous Bearers

★Othman ibn Affan (579-656)
Third caliph of Islam who oversaw the compilation of the standard Quran text and expanded the Islamic empire
★Othman Dan Fodio (1754-1817)
West African Islamic scholar and revolutionary who founded the Sokoto Caliphate in present-day Nigeria

If you like Othman…

Osman— the Turkish form

Usman— the South Asian form

Umar— a fellow caliph-name

Zayan— another Arabic name

Ayman— shares Othman's Arabic roots

Explore names like Othman

By themeuncertain arabic islamic historic

By meaningBird Youth

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Frequently Asked

What does the name Othman mean?

Othman is the Arabic Uthman, traditionally 'a young bustard'; it's the third caliph's name.

How do you pronounce Othman?

It's said OOTH-mahn /ˈuθ.mɑn/ — two syllables, stress on the first.

Is Othman a boy or girl name?

Othman is a boy's name.

How popular is Othman?

Othman is a rare name in the U.S.