Origin and Meaning of Ossie

God's strength or deity's salvation

Origin: English - Ossie is often a diminutive of the name Oswald, which is of Old English origin. The name Oswald comes from 'Os' meaning 'God' and 'wald' meaning 'power' or 'ruler'.

• Ossie has been used as a nickname for various names such as Oswald, Osbourne, and various other similar-sounding names.
• In the United States, Ossie gained popularity as a given name during the early 20th century, especially among African American communities, often reflecting cultural heritage.
• Notable bearers of the name include Ossie Davis, an influential African American actor, director, and civil rights activist, and Ossie Smith, a famous Major League Baseball player.
• While Ossie is not extremely common today, it has seen revivals in certain communities as a nostalgic or vintage choice.
• Variations of the name include Oswald, Ozzy, and Osborn. Additionally, it is sometimes affectionately used as a given name on its own.