Surname Otts - Meaning and Origin
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Otts: What does the surname Otts mean?
The surname Otts is of German origin and is derived from a diminutive form of the personal name "Otto." The word "otto" itself means "wealth" or "fortune" in Old German, therefore, Otts may generally mean "descendant of a little fortune." It's also believed to have originated from a place name in some instances. Like many surnames, it has undergone changes and adaptations over time due to regional dialects, literacy levels, and varying documentation practices. While the exact meaning of every individual bearing this surname can vary widely and can only be definitively determined through engaging in personal genealogical research, this gives an overall historical understanding of the surname's generational and regional changes.
Order DNA origin analysisOtts: Where does the name Otts come from?
The last name Otts is most commonly found in the United States today. According to the latest census data, there are over 3,000 people living in America with the last name Otts. The majority of Otts living in the U.S. are located in Pennsylvania, with over 1,200 people living in the state. Other states with substantial populations of Otts include Ohio, Virginia, West Virginia, and North Carolina. In Pennsylvania, the Otts name is most commonly found in western and central regions, including cities like Carlisle, Chambersburg, and Gettysburg.
The Otts surname is believed to be of English origin, so many people in England and other parts of Great Britain share the name. In England, the Otts name is most common in the Dorset region, with over 500 people in that area bearing the name. The Otts name is also found in Scotland, Wales, Ireland, and other parts of Europe.
Otts is also a fairly common name in other countries around the world, especially Central and South America. There are Otts families living in Mexico, Colombia, Peru, Panama, and other areas in the region. The Otts name is also quite common in Australia and New Zealand, two countries with strong historical ties to Great Britain.
Overall, the Otts name is found in many parts of the world, and its popularity continues to grow in different nations.
Variations of the surname Otts
The surname Ott or Otts is derived from the Germanic personal name Otto, once a royal name. It is common throughout all parts of Germany and has been associated with several distinguished families. Variations of the name Ott include Oth, Otho, Othon, Ot, Ote, Oto, Oton, Otte, Otten, Ottenberg, Otter, Ottinger, Ottinghaus, OTTNER, and OTTOW. Spellings of the surname can also vary, especially elder generations using certain letter combinations less and newer generations more. This can produce spelling variations such as Oht, Ott, Oth, Othi, Othe, Otti, Otty, Ött, Oett, Oettu, and OOt.
The surname experienced a large number of name changes as a result of its native language being credited by different groups or occupations. The phonetic spelling of the name evolved over time as well, producing many variations across different regions or languages. Similarly, the surname Otts was also associated with several distinct families along with the variant Otter. Other surnames connected to the Ott family include Oettingen, Otting, Oettinger, Oder, Oetken, Otten, Ostermann, Osten, Oetker, and Oettinghaus.
Despite the intense variation in spelling and surnames of the same origin, Ott, Otts, and names derived from it all still reflect the same origins. Its root remains the same—the Germanic personal name Otto—and its variants still signify the same Germanic heritage.
Famous people with the name Otts
- Chris Ott, former MLB pitcher
- Karen Otts, former five-time All-American softball pitcher
- Tim Otto, NASCAR driver
- Dave Ott, former NFL quarterback
- Ray Otts, former MLB outfielder
- Samuel Otts, former MLB pitcher
- Mike Ott, record-setting Major League Baseball pitcher
- Chad Ott, former Major League Baseball pitcher
- John Otts, Jr., former baseball outfielder
- Ken Otts, former Canadian Football League linebacker