Boy · 127th of 24,088
Oscar
Meaning, origin and U.S. popularity at a glance
212,533
Total Births
145
Years of Data
2006
Peak Popularity Year
3,607
Peak Births
Generational story
Where Oscar stands across generations
Rankings for U.S. births from 2013 to 2024.
Based on the most recent three-year movement in the national data.
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Meaning, origin & U.S. popularity
Summary
Oscar is an Old Norse name meaning 'God's spear.' It evolved from Ásgeirr through various forms and has been in use since the 19th century. The name carries positive traits such as creativity and refinement, with no biblical connections. Many notable figures bear this name, contributing to its continued popularity.
Etymology & cultural background Open the full meaning, origin, history, and variants
Etymology & Cultural Background
Pronunciation
/ˈɒskər/
Origin
Old Norse
Etymology
The name Oscar is derived from the Old Norse name Ásgeirr, which is composed of the elements 'ás,' meaning 'god,' and 'geirr,' meaning 'spear.'
Meaning
God's spear
Language Evolution
Ásgeirr, Osgar, Oscar
Historical Usage
The name gained popularity in the 19th century, particularly in English-speaking countries, and has remained a common name since then.
Variants & Derivatives
Oskar, Oswald, Ozzy
Modern Popularity & Image
Oscar is widely recognized and often associated with creativity and sophistication, partly due to its association with the prestigious Academy Awards.
Famous People
Oscar Wilde, Oscar Isaac, Oscar de la Renta
Trend Analysis
Boy Name Trend
Recent 3-Year Analysis
3-Year Trend:
Rising
25-Year Trend:
Relatively Stable
Girl Name Trend
Recent 3-Year Analysis
3-Year Trend:
Stable
25-Year Trend:
Relatively Stable
Explore popularity by location
Geographic charts live in focused views so this report stays readable. Choose the level of detail you need.
Key Insights
Popularity Trend
Highly Popular name with 3,607 peak births in 2006
Geographic Spread
Popular across 51 US states, with strongest presence in Texas
Historical Span
Data spanning 145 years from 1880 to 2024, showing long-term trends
Generational Impact
Influenced 14 different American generations with varying popularity
Alternative spellings & similar sounds
Compare 1 names that share a similar pronunciation but use different spellings.
Historical Birth Statistics
Note: Years with identical rankings may represent different numbers of births. Data is sourced from Social Security card applications for births in the United States.
Yearly Ranking History
Full popularity table across American generations 14 generation and gender records
Popularity Across American Generations
| Generation | Gender | Rank | Recorded births |
|---|---|---|---|
| G.I. Generation (1901-1927) | Boy | 87th of 7545 | 33,617 |
| Silent Generation (1928-1945) | Boy | 152nd of 6773 | 20,158 |
| Baby Boomers (1946-1964) | Boy | 219th of 7552 | 20,850 |
| Generation X (Gen X) (1965-1980) | Boy | 214th of 10718 | 18,019 |
| Millennials (Gen Y) (1981-1996) | Boy | 147th of 16616 | 33,047 |
| Generation Z (Gen Z or Zoomers) (1997-2012) | Boy | 127th of 24088 | 49,887 |
| Generation Alpha (2013-2024) | Boy | 201st of 23106 | 23,728 |
| G.I. Generation (1901-1927) | Girl | 2859th of 9107 | 178 |
| Silent Generation (1928-1945) | Girl | 2763rd of 9204 | 191 |
| Baby Boomers (1946-1964) | Girl | 4746th of 12526 | 131 |
| Generation X (Gen X) (1965-1980) | Girl | 5573rd of 19264 | 144 |
| Millennials (Gen Y) (1981-1996) | Girl | 5401st of 27321 | 248 |
| Generation Z (Gen Z or Zoomers) (1997-2012) | Girl | 10733rd of 35406 | 141 |
| Generation Alpha (2013-2024) | Girl | 30306th of 30306 | 5 |