Find out how popular the first name Oh has been for the last 1 years (from 2013 to 2013) and learn more about the meaning and history.

Popularity of Oh by gender

Based on the last 1 years of data, Oh is exclusively a male name.

For the most recent data in 2013, there were 5 male babies and 0 female babies born with the name Oh.

The history of the first name Oh

The given name Oh has its origins in the Korean language, where it is a common interjection used to express surprise, understanding, or acknowledgment. The earliest recorded instances of the name date back to the Goryeo dynasty (918-1392 CE) in Korea.

In Korean culture, the sound "oh" was considered auspicious and was often used as a way to express joy or reverence. This likely contributed to its adoption as a given name, though the exact reasons for its use as a personal name are unclear.

One of the earliest known individuals to bear the name Oh was a Buddhist monk who lived during the Goryeo dynasty. His name was Oh Gwang-won, and he was renowned for his calligraphy skills and his contributions to the spread of Buddhism in Korea.

During the Joseon dynasty (1392-1897 CE), the name Oh became more prevalent among the Korean nobility and scholarly classes. One notable figure from this period was Oh Ryu-sun (1547-1598), a renowned Confucian scholar and philosopher who wrote extensively on ethics and governance.

In the 20th century, the name Oh gained international recognition through the work of Korean-American author and activist Oh Saddie (1874-1959). Born in Korea, she immigrated to the United States and became a vocal advocate for Korean independence and women's rights.

Another notable bearer of the name was Oh Yun-kyu (1925-2010), a South Korean politician and diplomat who served as the country's Prime Minister from 1980 to 1981.

In more recent times, the name Oh has been carried by individuals such as Oh Eun-sun (born 1983), a South Korean actress known for her roles in popular television dramas, and Oh Sang-ho (born 1974), a South Korean film director and screenwriter best known for the zombie film "Train to Busan" (2016).

While the name Oh has its roots in Korean culture, it has also been adopted by individuals of other ethnic backgrounds, particularly those with connections to Korean communities or an appreciation for the name's unique sound and meaning.

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 Oh was researched and written by our team of onomatology and genealogy experts.

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

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