Oda

Oda is a traditional female first name of German origin that has established itself as an independent short form of names beginning with the syllables 'Od-' or 'Ot-'. The meaning of the name is 'the possessing', 'the wealthy', and 'the heiress'.

What does the name Oda mean?

The female first name Oda has its roots in Old High German and is an independent short form of names that begin with 'Od-' or 'Ot-'. Translated, it means 'the possessing', 'the wealthy', and 'the heiress'. The name derives from the Old High German root 'ot', which encompasses terms like 'possession', 'inheritance', 'heritage', and 'wealth'. Nowadays, the High German variants Ute or Uta are more commonly encountered. A well-known bearer of the name Ute is the mother of Kriemhild, who plays a central role in the famous Nibelungenlied. Other forms include Uda, Ude, Uota, and Uoda. In French, the variant Odette can be found. Among the male short forms, Udo, Uto, Ode, and Ota are common, with Otto likely being the most well-known boy's name. In Turkish, 'oda' means 'the room'.

Where does the name Oda come from?

The origin of the name Oda is Old High German, with meanings like 'the wealthy' or 'the heiress'. The root 'ot' stands for possession, inheritance, heritage, and wealth. The name is prevalent in the languages German, Norwegian, and Scandinavian.

How do you pronounce Oda?

The pronunciation of Oda is clear and simple. The name is pronounced as two syllables 'O-da' [ˈoːda]. It begins with a long, rounded o sound that conveys calmness and inner strength. The voiced d in the middle adds a gentle accent before the open -a fades warmly. This results in a clear and dignified sound effect that remains impressive despite its simplicity.

When is the name day of Oda?

The name day of Oda is celebrated on October 23 (Saint Oda of Metz) and November 27 (Saint Oda of Brabant).

Popularity

In Germany, Oda is a common first name and currently ranks 3,210th on the list of most popular female baby names. Its best placement was in 2012 at rank 985. In the last ten years, Oda has been used as a first name around 190 times, placing it 1,651st in the ten-year statistics. From 2010 to 2024, the name ranks 1,462nd.

Nicknames & pet names

Ochen / Odali / Odi / Otte

Similar first names

Famous people

• Oda Buchenau (German writer)
• Oda Hardt-Rösler (artist from Germany)
• Oda Jaune (artist, widow of Jörg Immendorff)
• Oda Krogh (Norwegian landscape and portrait painter)
• Oda Krohg (painter from Belgium)
• Oda Mielenhausen (German table tennis player)
• Oda Pretzschner (actress from Germany)
• Oda Schaefer (German writer)
• Oda Schäfer (lived from 1900-1988, a writer in 20th-century German literature)
• Oda Schottmüller (*1905, German dancer, resistance fighter)
• Oda Thormeyer (actress from Germany)
• Oda von Amay (of Metz) (abbess in Amay, born in France, died 634 in Amay, Belgium)
• Oda von Meinersen (*before 1228; presumably around 1260), abbess of the united convents of Gernrode and Frose)
• Oda Walendy (designer from Germany)
• Oda-Gebbine Hölze-Stäblein (sister of faith, known from 'Word for Sunday')