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Home › Baby Names Directory › Otniel

Otniel

♂ Boy

Pronounced OT-nee-el /ˈɒt.ni.ɛl/Medium

Meaning: A form of Othniel, from the Hebrew Otni'el, often read 'lion of God' or 'God is my force.' Othniel was the first judge of Israel in the Book of Judges. Biblical heritage name.Low

In 30 seconds: A biblical name: Otniel means 'lion of God; God is my strength' (said 'OT-nee-el') — a form of Othniel.
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Origin MediumHebrew
MeaningA form of Othniel, from the Hebrew Otni'el, often read 'lion of God' or 'God is my force.' Othniel was the first judge of Israel in the Book of Judges. Biblical heritage name.
U.S. rank (2024)#11923 ↗ Rising
2024 U.S. births6 boys (0.00% of U.S. boys)
Peak year2018
Total births (all-time)≈ 129

Popularity in the U.S. · SSA data

peak 201819802024

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

Otniel is a spelling of Othniel, from the Hebrew Otni'el, 'lion of God; God is my strength.' Othniel was Israel's first judge. A biblical heritage name, rare in the U.S. (said 'OT-nee-el').

It appears rarely in the U.S. Rare, biblical, and rooted.

Did you know? Otniel is a form of Othniel, the first judge of Israel in the Book of Judges; the Hebrew is read 'lion of God' or 'God is my force' (said 'OT-nee-el').
Overall data confidence 52%
References — Otniel — Form of Othniel; Hebrew 'lion of God'

Variations

OthnielOtniyelAthniel

Nicknames

OtniNiel

Famous Bearers

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If you like Otniel…

Othniel— the standard form of the same name
Daniel— a like Hebrew -el boy's name
Gabriel— a like -el biblical pick
Nathaniel— a like Hebrew heritage name

Explore names like Otniel

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By meaningGod / DivineLion

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Frequently Asked

What does the name Otniel mean?

Otniel is a form of Othniel, Hebrew for 'lion of God; God is my strength' — Israel's first judge.

How do you pronounce Otniel?

It's said OT-nee-el /ˈɒt.ni.ɛl/ — three syllables, stress on the first.

Is Otniel a boy or girl name?

Otniel is a boy's name.

How popular is Otniel?

Otniel is a rare name in the U.S.

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