Find out how popular the first name Oskar has been for the last 49 years (from 1975 to 2023) and learn more about the meaning and history.

Popularity of Oskar by gender

Based on the last 49 years of data, Oskar is exclusively a male name.

For the most recent data in 2023, there were 124 male babies and 0 female babies born with the name Oskar.

The history of the first name Oskar

The name Oskar has its origins in the Old English language, derived from the Germanic root words "Os" meaning "divine" and "hari" meaning "army" or "warrior." Thus, the name Oskar initially signified a "divine warrior" or a "warrior of God." It emerged during the Middle Ages, around the 8th to 10th centuries, when Old English and other Germanic languages were prevalent across much of northern Europe.

This name gained popularity during the Christian era, particularly among Germanic tribes that had converted to Christianity. It is believed that the name was often bestowed upon children with the hope that they would grow to be valiant and pious warriors, defending their faith and their people.

One of the earliest recorded instances of the name Oskar can be found in the Icelandic Sagas, where it appears as "Ásgeirr" or "Ásgeir," a variation of the same root words. These sagas, which date back to the 13th century, depict tales of Viking heroes and their adventures, lending the name an air of bravery and honor.

Throughout history, several notable figures have borne the name Oskar. One of the most famous is the Swedish playwright and novelist Oskar Arnulv Mellander, better known as Oskar Verner (1838-1909), whose works explored themes of love, loss, and social commentary.

Another prominent Oskar was the German filmmaker Oskar Schindler (1908-1974), who is celebrated for his courageous efforts in saving the lives of over a thousand Polish Jews during the Holocaust. His story was immortalized in the acclaimed film "Schindler's List."

In the realm of music, the name Oskar is associated with the renowned Swedish composer and conductor Oskar Lindberg (1887-1955), whose works were deeply influenced by the folk music of his homeland.

The literary world has also been graced by individuals bearing this name, such as the Austrian novelist and playwright Oskar Kokoschka (1886-1980), known for his expressionist works that explored themes of love, war, and human psychology.

Finally, one cannot overlook the legacy of Oskar Schlemmer (1888-1943), a German painter, sculptor, and choreographer who played a pivotal role in the Bauhaus movement, pioneering new forms of abstract art and dance.

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

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

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