Skip Ancestry navigation Skip to Footer Ancestry Home
  • Home
  • Trees
  • Search
  • Memories
  • DNA
  • Subscribe
  • Cart
  • Help
  • Sign In
Home
Loading

Trees you own

    Shared with you

      Tree tools

      • My Trees
      • Start a New Tree
      • Person Preview
      • Membership
      • Family Trees Support
      Loading
      • Search All Records
      • Census & Voter Lists
      • Birth, Marriage & Death
      • Military
      • Immigration & Travel
      • Directories & Member Lists
      • Public Member Trees
      • Convict, Criminal, Land & Wills
      • Member Search
      • Card Catalogue
      Loading
      • StoryScout
      Loading
      • Buy a DNA Kit
      • Register a Kit
      • AncestryDNA®
      • AncestryDNA Support
      Loading
      • Support Centre
      • Ancestry Academy
      • Community
      • Hire an expert
      • Site Status
      Loading
      • Support Centre
      • Ancestry Academy
      • Community
      • Hire an expert
      • Site Status
      Discover More Family Names with an Ancestry 14-day Free Trial* 
      • Support Centre
      • About Us
      • Ancestry Blog
      • Gift Memberships
      • Site Map
      • © 2006-2026 Ancestry
      • Privacy
      • Terms and Conditions
      • Cookies
      • Operated by Ancestry Ireland Unlimited Company
      Group of people

      Meaning of the first name Othmar

      Origin

      Germanic, Germany

      Meaning

      Wealthy and famous.

      Variations

      Lothar, Gothard, Clothar
      The name Othmar is of Germanic origin, derived from the elements "od," meaning wealth or fortune, and "mar," meaning famous or renowned. The name is commonly understood to signify "wealthy fame" or "famous for wealth." It is a masculine given name that was particularly prevalent in German-speaking regions and has historical roots in various European cultures where Germanic languages were spoken.

      Othmar has cultural significance particularly within the context of the Christian tradition, as it has been associated with several saints. One of the most notable figures is Saint Othmar, a 7th-century abbot from the region of what is now Switzerland. He is often credited with founding the Abbey of St. Gall, which became a major center of learning and culture in the early medieval period. The legacy of Saint Othmar contributes to the name's prominence in Christian communities, especially in central Europe, where it is sometimes found among religious figures and historical documents.

      Historically, the name Othmar was more common during the Middle Ages and the early modern period, especially in regions such as Austria and Switzerland. It reflects the naming conventions of the time, where names often carried meanings related to virtues, characteristics, or social status. As societal structures evolved and naming practices changed, Othmar became less common, but it retains a presence in certain locales and among families with historical ties to the name.

      In addition to its historical and cultural importance, notable individuals bearing the name Othmar have contributed to various fields. One prominent figure is Othmar Ammann, a Swiss-American civil engineer known for his work on major bridges in the United States, including the George Washington Bridge and the Bronx-Whitestone Bridge. His engineering contributions have left a lasting impact on infrastructure in the New York City area.

      Another noteworthy individual is Othmar von Wilamowitz-Moellendorff, a renowned German classical philologist and scholar of ancient Greek literature. His work significantly influenced the study of classical texts and the understanding of Greek drama and poetry. His scholarship played a crucial role in the academic discourse surrounding classical studies during the late 19th and early 20th centuries.

      In contemporary times, the name Othmar is less frequently encountered, but it maintains a presence in certain regions, particularly in Austria and parts of Switzerland. The name may also be found among families who wish to honor their heritage or maintain connections to historical figures. Its rarity today can be attributed to changing naming trends, as modern parents often opt for more contemporary or globally recognized names.

      Overall, the name Othmar embodies a rich historical and cultural legacy, rooted in Germanic traditions and connected to significant figures in religious and academic contexts. While its usage has diminished over time, the name continues to represent a lineage of wealth and renown, echoing the values of its origin. Its connotations of fame and fortune remain relevant, and it holds a unique place in the tapestry of names within German-speaking cultures.

      Based on our records...

      Dentzer

      This is the most common surname associated with Othmar.

      Anna

      This is the most common name of those married to a Othmar.

      Othmar

      This is the most common name for a child of a Othmar.
      Contains public sector information licensed under the Open Government Licence v3.0. - © Mapbox - © OpenStreetMap - Improve this map

      What are you curious about?

      Ready to learn more about your own family? Here are two ways to begin.
      Start a free trial
      Order AncestryDNA
      Based on our records...

      Did you know?

      1900 is when there were the most people born with the first name Othmar.

      Explore the origins of another name.