Find out how popular the first name Osric has been for the last 48 years (from 1975 to 2022) and learn more about the meaning and history.
A masculine given name of Anglo-Saxon origin meaning "divine power".
Based on the last 48 years of data, Osric is exclusively a male name.
For the most recent data in 2022, there were 6 male babies and 0 female babies born with the name Osric.
Year | Male Count | Female Count |
---|---|---|
2022 | 6 | 0 |
2021 | 8 | 0 |
2019 | 7 | 0 |
2016 | 5 | 0 |
2015 | 10 | 0 |
2014 | 6 | 0 |
2013 | 7 | 0 |
2012 | 5 | 0 |
2011 | 5 | 0 |
2010 | 7 | 0 |
2004 | 6 | 0 |
2003 | 5 | 0 |
2002 | 5 | 0 |
2000 | 5 | 0 |
1998 | 5 | 0 |
1997 | 6 | 0 |
1991 | 5 | 0 |
1987 | 7 | 0 |
1977 | 5 | 0 |
1975 | 5 | 0 |
The name Osric has its roots in the Old English language and is derived from the elements "os" meaning "god" and "ric" meaning "ruler" or "power". It can be interpreted to mean "divine ruler" or "ruler by God's grace". This name was particularly popular among the Anglo-Saxons during the early medieval period.
One of the earliest recorded instances of the name Osric can be found in the Ecclesiastical History of the English People, written by the Venerable Bede in the 8th century. Bede mentions an Osric who was a king of the Hwicce, a sub-kingdom of the Anglo-Saxon kingdom of Mercia, in the late 7th century.
Another notable historical figure bearing this name was Osric, a character in Shakespeare's play "Hamlet". Although a minor character, Osric plays a pivotal role in the play's climax, serving as the courtier who arranges the fateful duel between Hamlet and Laertes.
In the 9th century, an Osric was recorded as being the Bishop of Lindisfarne, an important religious center in the Anglo-Saxon kingdom of Northumbria. Unfortunately, not much is known about his life or the specific dates of his episcopacy.
During the reign of King Canute the Great in the early 11th century, an Osric served as one of the king's trusted advisors and officials. He is mentioned in several contemporary chronicles as being involved in various administrative and diplomatic affairs of the kingdom.
Moving forward in time, Sir Osric Wynston was a distinguished English military commander who fought in the Battle of Agincourt against the French during the Hundred Years' War in 1415. He was knighted on the battlefield for his bravery and leadership by King Henry V himself.
While the name Osric has its origins in the distant past, it has continued to be used throughout history, albeit with varying degrees of popularity. Its unique sound and rich historical associations have made it a distinctive choice for parents seeking a name with a strong sense of heritage and character.
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 Osric was researched and written by our team of onomatology and genealogy experts.
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"Osric first name popularity, history and meaning". NameCensus.com. Accessed on July 2, 2025. http://namecensus.com/first-names/osric-meaning-and-history/.
"Osric first name popularity, history and meaning". NameCensus.com, http://namecensus.com/first-names/osric-meaning-and-history/. Accessed 2 July, 2025
Osric first name popularity, history and meaning. NameCensus.com. Retrieved from http://namecensus.com/first-names/osric-meaning-and-history/.
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