Surname Oddy - Meaning and Origin

Oddy: What does the surname Oddy mean?

The surname Oddy is of Anglo-Saxon origin and is believed to have derived from the Old English personal name "Eadwig" which is made up of the elements "ead," meaning prosperity, and "wig," meaning war. The name hence translates to "war prosperity." Over time, the name Eadwig got changed to Oddy. It is primarily a northern surname, popular in Yorkshire in England.

The surname could also have geographical roots related to a person's resident location. It is plausible that it came from "odde," an Old Norse term meaning a pointed place or a hill, suggesting someone from an area with such topographic features.

Like many surnames, Oddy could also be an occupational surname, related to one's profession. In this case, it might be linked to "de Oddi," suggesting someone who is an 'odd man out' or of unique, individualistic character.

Overall, Oddy is an uncommon last name, with the majority of people with this surname primarily residing in The United Kingdom, followed by the United States and Canada.

Oddy: Where does the name Oddy come from?

The last name Oddy is most common in Australia, where it is ranked at number 2478 in terms of frequency. Among English-speaking countries, Canada is next with the surname at position 8136, followed by the United States at number 18,996. Scotland and England have much fewer Oddys, placing at around 4500 and 8400 respectively. Across the rest of the world, the name is also relatively uncommon.

The last name Oddy is believed to have originally been derived from the Germanic personal name "Odo" which is also found in many European countries. It is said to mean "wealthy" or "lord", signifying success and rank. The surname is also found in some other countries, such as Ireland and Norway, in much smaller numbers.

Most of today's Oddy family members are descendants from those who emigrated from England and Scotland to Australia during the 19th and 20th centuries. This pattern of emigration is also seen in the United States, where some Oddys have gone on to settle in New York, California, and other regions across the country.

Variations of the surname Oddy

The surname Oddy is a variation of the medieval names Ode, Odo, or Oddo. It was borne by several medieval figures, a notable example being one Oddo Colonna who was a major figure of the Italian Renaissance. The surname's popularity endured throughout the centuries; Oddy is often found as a double-barreled name, such as Oddy-Lambourne. It is also seen in different spellings.

The variants of the surname Oddy include Odd, Odde, Oddie, Oddsea, Ode, Odea, Odean, Oden, Ody, Odys, Odyse, Odysea, and Odyssea.

The surname Oddy is also related to several other surnames of similar origin. Ody is an alternate form of Odyse, and both can be found as Odis or Odes. The name Audy is a corrupted form of Ode, as is Audy. It is common to find the surname Aude in old documents, as well as Ordy and Oudy. Other variants include Odds, Odger, Ord, and Odgen.

Due to the surname’s medieval origins, there are also variations of the name found in other languages, such as Odette, Odo, Odon, Ot, and Odilio in French; Odilo, Odono, Odon, Otón, and Udo in Spanish; and Oddo, Odo, Odone, Ot, and Otone in Italian.

Furthermore, some researchers also link Oddy to Lloyd, a Welsh and Cornish surname derived from the Welsh word “llwyd”, meaning grey.

Overall, the surname Oddy is unique and can be found with many variants and related surnames. This name has withstood the test of time and has remained popular, especially amongst those with ancestral ties to the Middle Ages.

Famous people with the name Oddy

• Eric Oddy: An experienced songwriter and music producer, Eric Oddy has collaborated with various successful artists throughout the world to create award-winning music.
• Elizabeth Oddy: A dedicated Wellbeing Research Consultant, Elizabeth Oddy works heavily in the field of mental health research, helping to create positive change in the lives of many.
• Geoffrey Oddy: A renowned historian, Geoffrey Oddy has written numerous pieces on late 18th century history and is considered a leading expert in his field.
• Richard Oddy: An experienced British journalist, Richard Oddy is known for his intriguing interviews with some of the most influential people in the world.
• Tommy Oddy: A renowned marine biologist, Dr. Tommy Oddy has made great efforts in the areas of ocean conservation, founding the Marine and Coastal Conservation Society.
• Mark Oddy: A highly successful serial entrepreneur, Mark Oddy is responsible for establishing several of the world’s top technology startups.
• Jonathan Oddy: An internationally acclaimed computer programmer and software developer, Jonathan Oddy has worked with massive corporations over the years in developing groundbreaking technology.
• Verity Oddy: An experienced businesswoman, Verity Oddy excels in the business of Aquaculture, having started her first fish farm business at just 17 years old.
• Harry Oddy: A famous sports commentator, Harry Oddy is best known for his presence at major sporting events, giving his in-depth analysis in the field of football.
• Malcolm Oddy: A recognized figure in the field of film music, Malcolm Oddy has composed music for some of Hollywood’s most successful films and series.

Other surnames

OddenOddeyOddie