Origin and Meaning of Oscar

Meaning & Origin

Divine spear or God's spear

Origin: Irish - Derived from the Irish name Oscarr, which combines the elements 'os' (deer) and 'cara' (friend). The name is also influenced by Old Norse elements.

Interesting Facts

  • Oscar is a name with significant historical associations in both Irish and Norse mythology, often linked to the legendary hero Oscar, son of the warrior Oisin.
  • The name has gained popularity in various cultures and is commonly used in English-speaking countries, as well as in Spanish-speaking regions.
  • Notable bearers of the name include the famous author Oscar Wilde, the musician Oscar Peterson, and the renowned painter Oscar-Claude Monet.
  • Oscar's popularity surged in the late 19th century and has remained relatively stable, frequently ranking among the top 100 boys' names in several countries.
  • Related names or variations include Oskar (the German and Scandinavian variant), Oswald, and Oscara (a feminine variant).