Surname Otter - Meaning and Origin
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Otter: What does the surname Otter mean?
The last name Otter is derived from a Middle English word which means "the dweller by the water", referring to those who inhabited wetlands and rivers and who earned their living by harvesting fishing, eeling or trapping. The name is believed to have arisen from the pre 7th century Olde English word 'other'.
This name was originally applied to a family who lived in the village of Otter, near Taunton in Somerset. This may refer to the river Otter which takes its source near Honiton. The river runs in a southwesterly direction from the town to the sea near Sidmouth. The river was anciently known as "Oter" and was the boundary to the neighbouring exmoor area.
Originally the surname Otter was found mainly in the Westcountry of England and the bordering counties of Wales. Other name variations include Ot're, O'ter, Oette, Oetter, Oter and Cirierre.
The Otter family are generally independent, determined and loyal. With a strong sense of practicality and creativity, Otters enjoy creating new ideas and challenges. They excel at problem solving, often being highly skilled and knowledgeable in their chosen career field.
Despite their spirited nature, Otters often have sensitive souls, seeking connection and comfort in meaningful relationships. They enjoy keenly researching small details and appreciate an orderly, thoughtful and aesthetically pleasing environment. Honesty and integrity are deep-rooted characteristics of an Otter family.
The last name Otter is a reminder to maintain a strong connection to nature and to maintain an honest and compassionate outlook on life.
Order DNA origin analysisOtter: Where does the name Otter come from?
The last name Otter is an Anglo-Saxon name found in many parts of the English-speaking world. The name is particularly common in Germany, Switzerland, and Austria, though it is also present in the Netherlands, Belgium, and France. In the United Kingdom, the name is most common in England and Scotland, with its highest concentration in the Shetland Islands and Orkney Islands. In the United States, the name is most frequently found in the Midwest and East Coast regions, with a number of families having settled in Pennsylvania, Ohio, and New York.
Outside of Europe and North America, the last name Otter can also be found in Australia, New Zealand, South Africa, and Latin America. In Australia, the name is particularly common in New South Wales, Queensland, and Victoria. In South Africa, the name is widespread, especially in the Cape Province and KwaZulu-Natal. And in Latin America, the name is especially frequent in Argentina.
For those interested in tracing their family roots, a number of genealogy websites offer assistance in finding the origins of the last name Otter. Additionally, organizations like the Otter Family History Society serve to bring together individuals with a shared interest in the Otter surname. With such resources, it is possible to learn more about the history of the Otter family and its many branches and members around the world.
Variations of the surname Otter
The surname OTTER is of Germanic origin and is found in many variations. The most common variant of this name is OTTERS which may be found in countries such as the UK, Ireland, Germany, Scandinavia, Netherlands, etc. Other variations of the surname OTTER include OTTAR, OTTERSE, OTTARSON, OTTERSEN, OTTARSDATTER, OTTARSDOTTIR, OTTERSDOTTER, OTTERLAEUSE, OTTERLACHER, OTTERBECK, OTTERBEIN, OTTERMEYER, OTTERWALD, OTTAWAY, OTTANEN, OTTERHOLM, OTTERI and OTTERBY.
Variations of the surname Otter can also be found in other languages, particularly languages of Nordic Europe. For example, in Swedish the surname is spelled OTTARSSON or OTTERSSON and in Danish OTTERSEN. These variations are also common in other countries such as Finland, where the surname is spelled OTTANEN. Similarly, in Norway the surname is sometimes spelled OTTERVIK.
The English language also contains several variations of the name, such as OTTERLY, OTTERBURN, OTTERUFFE, OTTERHOPE and OTTERWAITE.
In the United States, the surname Otter is most commonly found among German, Swiss and Austrian immigrants who settled in the Midwest or Appalachians. In some Southern states, the surname is sometimes spelled OTTERSHAW.
As with any surname, there are many variants of OTTER and spellings may have changed to accommodate dialects, spelling conventions or simply new versions arising from generational changes over time. It is important to note that some of the variants can be very similar to one another and further research might be needed in order to identify the correct spelling.
Famous people with the name Otter
- Rupert Otter: British actor
- Matt Otter: American Taekwondo"; athlete
- Jesse Otter: American actor
- Michael Otter: German fashion designer
- Robert Otter: American lawyer
- Julie Otter: Canadian radio host
- Chad Otter: American video game creator
- Darius Otter: British author
- Tracey Otter: British actress
- Stacey Otter: American children’s author
- Jonathan Otter: British singer
- Catherine Otter: British entrepreneur
- Charles Otter: American artist
- Debra Otter: American politician
- Dave Otter: American musician