Oscar
- Meaning
- Deer-lover in Irish tradition; other origins vary
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What does Oscar mean?
Oscar means “Deer-lover in Irish tradition; other origins vary”.
Oscar has more than one historical explanation. In Irish tradition it is connected with elements meaning “deer” and “loving,” and is borne by a warrior in the Fenian stories. A separate Germanic connection leads to Osgar and elements associated with a god and a spear. The two histories should not be merged into one translation.
Writer Oscar Wilde and musician Oscar Peterson are familiar bearers; Oscar the Grouch provides a very different fictional association. Oskar is a related spelling, while Oz and Ozzy can work as short forms. Pronunciation varies across languages, which makes the intended family or cultural connection useful when choosing how to say the name.
Nicknames & variations
Explore short forms, spellings, and related names.
Nicknames for Oscar
Short forms for everyday use.
Variations & related forms
Related forms and spellings recorded for this name.
How popular is Oscar?
United States · 2025Explore how often Oscar is used and how its ranking has changed.
- US boys rank
- #223 2025 · #1 is most popular
- Boys named Oscar
- 1,620 Recorded births in 2025
- Change in births
- 2.9% Fewer than 2024
Oscar over time
United States · Boys
Recorded births
Hover or tap the chart, or move the slider. You can also use the keyboard arrow keys.
Yearly data & usage
Rankings are calculated separately for girls and boys. The summary highlights boys, the most common recorded usage in 2025. Use the chart’s usage selector to explore both categories.
| Year | Usage | US rank | Births |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2025 | Boys | #223 | 1,620 |
| 2024 | Boys | #216 | 1,669 |
| 2023 | Boys | #216 | 1,702 |
| 2022 | Boys | #201 | 1,892 |
| 2021 | Boys | #226 | 1,697 |
| 2020 | Boys | #214 | 1,766 |
| 2019 | Boys | #205 | 1,892 |
| 2018 | Boys | #206 | 1,956 |
| 2017 | Boys | #192 | 2,048 |
| 2016 | Boys | #177 | 2,261 |
| 2015 | Boys | #181 | 2,299 |
| 2015 | Girls | #18,461 | 5 |
| 2014 | Boys | #184 | 2,321 |
Years reflect available birth records. Missing records do not mean zero births.
Names like Oscar
Explore the connection, then save your favorites to compare.
Liam
Mostly boys- Meaning
- Resolute protection
Shares an origin with Oscar.
James
Mostly boys- Meaning
- Supplanter
Shares an origin with Oscar.
Jack
Mostly boys- Meaning
- God is gracious
Shares an origin with Oscar.
Hudson
Mostly boys- Meaning
- Hugh's son
Shares an origin with Oscar.
Julian
Mostly boys- Meaning
- Uncertain; proposed meanings include youthful or downy-bearded
Shares an origin with Oscar.
Cooper
Mostly boys- Meaning
- Barrel maker
Shares an origin with Oscar.
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