Oscar
OS-ker /ˈɒs.kər/
Meaning of Oscar
Oscar has two competing roots. In Irish tradition it is from the Old Irish os ('deer') + cara ('friend') — 'friend of deer' — borne in the Fenian cycle by Oscar, grandson of Fionn mac Cumhaill. An Old Norse alternative derives it from Ásgeir: ás ('god') + geirr ('spear'). Oscar Wilde brought the name 19th-century literary prestige; the Academy Award statuette is informally named Oscar (origin disputed).
Current popularity of Oscar
Rankings from the most recent fully-published year in each national registry. Source links at the foot of the page.
| Registry | Year | Rank |
|---|---|---|
| United States (SSA) | 2024 | #97 |
| United Kingdom (ONS) | 2024 | #29 |
| SE | 2024 | #4 |
| NO | 2024 | #7 |
Notable bearers of Oscar
Oscar Wilde (playwright, 1854–1900); the Academy Awards Oscar (statuette); Oscar Peterson (jazz pianist).
Similar names & variants
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Sibling-name suggestions
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About this entry
Compiled by the Baby Name Finder editorial team following the rules in our Methodology and Editorial guidelines. If you spot an error, please tell us; our corrections policy is at /editorial-guidelines#corrections.
Sources
Last reviewed: 2026-05-31