The name Oscar has its origins in the Old English language, derived from the Old Norse name Ásgeirr or Ásgarðr. The first part of the name, "ás," refers to the gods of Norse mythology, and the second part, "geirr" or "garðr," means "spear" or "enclosure," respectively. This suggests the name may have initially meant "spear of the gods" or "enclosure of the gods."

Oscar gained popularity across various Germanic languages, including Old English, Old Norse, and Old German, during the early medieval period. It was a common name among the Scandinavian and Anglo-Saxon populations of the time.

One of the earliest recorded instances of the name Oscar can be found in the Icelandic Landnámabók, a medieval text that chronicles the settlement of Iceland. The text mentions an Ásgeir Ásgeirsson, who lived in the 9th century and is considered one of the earliest known individuals to bear the name.

In the 12th century, the name appeared in the Old English epic poem Beowulf, where a character named Oscferd is mentioned. This is one of the earliest known references to the name in English literature.

Throughout history, several notable individuals have borne the name Oscar. One of the earliest was Oscar I of Sweden (1799-1859), who reigned as King of Sweden and Norway from 1844 until his death. Another famous Oscar was the Irish playwright and novelist Oscar Wilde (1854-1900), known for his wit and works such as "The Picture of Dorian Gray" and "The Importance of Being Earnest."

In the field of science, Oscar Minkowski (1858-1931) was a German physician and pioneer in the study of diabetes, while Oscar Niemeyer (1907-2012) was a renowned Brazilian architect famous for his modernist designs.

Other notable figures include Oscar Romero (1917-1980), the Archbishop of San Salvador who was assassinated for his advocacy of human rights, and Oscar Schindler (1908-1974), the German industrialist who saved the lives of over a thousand Jewish refugees during the Holocaust.

The name Oscar has a rich history, spanning various cultures and time periods, and has been borne by individuals from diverse backgrounds, including royalty, artists, scientists, and humanitarians.