Find out how popular the first name Osa has been for the last 13 years (from 2011 to 2023) and learn more about the meaning and history.

Popularity of Osa by gender

Based on the last 13 years of data, Osa is more commonly used as a female name, with approximately 84% of people named Osa being female.

For the most recent data in 2023, there were 5 female babies and 0 male babies born with the name Osa.

The history of the first name Osa

The name Osa has its origins in various languages and cultures across the world. Primarily, it is believed to have derived from the Finnish language, where 'osa' means 'part' or 'share.' This name could have been given to children born into large families, signifying their role as part of the family unit.

In Japanese culture, the name Osa is a feminine name that can be written using the kanji characters 長 (long) and 佐 (assist). This combination suggests a meaning related to longevity or endurance, potentially signifying the parents' wish for their child to have a long and prosperous life.

The name Osa also has roots in the Yoruba language spoken in West Africa, particularly in Nigeria. In Yoruba, the name 'Osa' means 'parade' or 'celebration,' reflecting the joy and happiness associated with the birth of a child.

Historical records indicate that the name Osa has been in use for centuries. One of the earliest known references to the name can be found in the Finnish epic poem "Kalevala," which dates back to the 19th century. In this work, Osa is mentioned as a character, though the exact context and significance of the name are not entirely clear.

Throughout history, several notable individuals have borne the name Osa. One of the most famous was Osa Johnson (1894-1953), an American explorer, naturalist, and filmmaker who, along with her husband Martin, documented their expeditions to remote parts of the world through their films and books.

Another prominent figure was Osa Massen (1914-1973), a Danish-American actress who appeared in numerous films during the 1930s and 1940s, including "Frankenstein Meets the Wolf Man" and "Cream of the Crop."

In the world of literature, Osa Lehtinen (1929-2005) was a renowned Finnish author and translator who made significant contributions to Finnish literature and culture.

The name Osa was also carried by Osa Esther Johnson (1692-1723), an English lady-in-waiting and close friend of Jonathan Swift, the renowned author and satirist. Their friendship and correspondence have been extensively documented and studied.

Lastly, Osa Massingale (born 1950) is an American jazz singer and songwriter who has performed and recorded with notable musicians such as Dizzy Gillespie and Freddie Hubbard, contributing to the rich tapestry of American jazz music.

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

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

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