Find out how popular the first name Odel has been for the last 27 years (from 1990 to 2016) and learn more about the meaning and history.

Popularity of Odel by gender

Based on the last 27 years of data, Odel is more commonly used as a male name, with approximately 74% of people named Odel being male.

For the most recent data in 2016, there were 8 male babies and 0 female babies born with the name Odel.

The history of the first name Odel

The name Odel has its origins in the Old Germanic language, tracing back to the 5th century AD. It is derived from the root word "od," which means "prosperity" or "wealth." This name was commonly used among the Germanic tribes that inhabited regions of modern-day Germany, the Netherlands, and parts of Scandinavia.

One of the earliest recorded instances of the name Odel can be found in the Codex Argenteus, a 6th-century manuscript containing a translation of the Bible into the Gothic language. In this text, the name appears as "Odil," referring to a minor character.

During the Middle Ages, the name Odel gained popularity among the Germanic nobility. It was borne by several noblemen and knights, including Odel von Regensburg (1120-1187), a German nobleman and military leader who participated in the Crusades.

In the 16th century, the name Odel appeared in the writings of the German philosopher and theologian, Martin Luther. He mentioned an individual named Odel Sauerbeck in one of his treatises on religious reformation.

As the name spread across Europe, it underwent various spelling variations, such as Odell, Odelle, and Odellius. One notable figure from this period was Odellius Philalethes (1570-1638), an alchemist and philosopher from England.

In the 19th century, the name Odel gained prominence in literature. Odel Bulwer-Lytton (1803-1873) was an English novelist and playwright, best known for his historical novel "The Last Days of Pompeii."

Other notable individuals with the name Odel include Odel Deodatus (1842-1912), a French painter and sculptor, and Odel Vierling (1888-1962), a German composer and conductor.

Overall, while not a widely used name today, Odel has a rich historical legacy spanning various cultures and disciplines, reflecting its Germanic roots and association with prosperity and wealth.

Data source

The first name data used on this page comes from the Social Security Administration (SSA). They've been collecting data on baby names since 1880.

The history and meaning of the name Odel was researched and written by our team of onomatology and genealogy experts.

If you have a correction or suggestion to improve the history of Odel, please contact us.

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