Odd: a male name of Old Norse origin meaning "This name derives from the Old Norse “oddr / oddi,” meaning “point, sharp point, peak, front ‘of an army,’ point ‘of a weapon,’ spear".It derives from the Old Norse word "oddr / oddi > Oddr".
In Old Norse tradition, Odd holds special significance as a masculine name representing This name derives from the Old Norse “oddr / oddi,” meaning “point, sharp point, peak, front ‘of an army,’ point ‘of a weapon,’ spear. This name has been cherished across generations, carrying with it the wisdom and heritage of Old Norse culture. Its enduring popularity speaks to its universal resonance.
Quick Facts About Odd
Quick facts about Odd
Origin
Old Norse
Gender
Boy name
Popularity
Moderately popular
Researched by Name Doctor Linguistics Team
Our names are verified by professional linguists with expertise in etymology and cultural naming traditions.
Last reviewed: November 2025
Meaning
This name derives from the Old Norse “oddr / oddi,” meaning “point, sharp point, peak, front ‘of an army,’ point ‘of a weapon,’ spear.” Oddr, the archer, or The saga of Oddr, the archer (Old Norse: Ǫrvar-Odds saga), is an Icelandic saga. The legend dates back to the end of the 13th-century and is believed to be the work of an Icelandic author. The oldest version(S) of the legend is preserved in a 14th-century code in the Royal Library in Stockholm and represents a copy of an earlier lost document.
Etymology & Details
Name Root
oddr / oddi > Oddr
How to Pronounce Odd
Odd is pronounced /ɔd/
Step-by-step pronunciation guide:
Break it into syllables: Odd
Say it like: "AWD"
Practice saying it naturally a few times
✓Pronunciation verified by linguistic sources
Usage & Popularity
Odd enjoys international appeal, used in 6 different linguistic and cultural contexts including norwegian, swedish, danish, and many others. This widespread adoption reflects its universal resonance.
norwegianswedishdanishfinnishold danishold swedish
Frequently Asked Questions About Odd
What does the name Odd mean?
Odd means "This name derives from the Old Norse “oddr / oddi,” meaning “point, sharp point, peak, front ‘of an army,’ point ‘of a weapon,’ spear.” Oddr, the archer, or The saga of Oddr, the archer (Old Norse: Ǫrvar-Odds saga), is an Icelandic saga. The legend dates back to the end of the 13th-century and is believed to be the work of an Icelandic author. The oldest version(S) of the legend is preserved in a 14th-century code in the Royal Library in Stockholm and represents a copy of an earlier lost document.". The name comes from oddr / oddi > Oddr. This old norse name has been passed down through generations, carrying its meaning across different cultures and time periods. Parents who choose Odd for boys often connect with the name's meaning of "This name derives from the Old Norse “oddr / oddi,” meaning “point, sharp point, peak, front ‘of an army,’ point ‘of a weapon,’ spear.” Oddr, the archer, or The saga of Oddr, the archer (Old Norse: Ǫrvar-Odds saga), is an Icelandic saga. The legend dates back to the end of the 13th-century and is believed to be the work of an Icelandic author. The oldest version(S) of the legend is preserved in a 14th-century code in the Royal Library in Stockholm and represents a copy of an earlier lost document." as a quality they hope to see in their child. While not the most common choice, Odd's meaningful roots have given it staying power among parents looking for a name with substance.
What is the origin of the name Odd?
Odd is a old norse name. The name traces back to oddr / oddi > Oddr. From its old norse roots, Odd spread to become common in norwegian, swedish, danish, finnish and other cultures. The old norse meaning "This name derives from the Old Norse “oddr / oddi,” meaning “point, sharp point, peak, front ‘of an army,’ point ‘of a weapon,’ spear.” Oddr, the archer, or The saga of Oddr, the archer (Old Norse: Ǫrvar-Odds saga), is an Icelandic saga. The legend dates back to the end of the 13th-century and is believed to be the work of an Icelandic author. The oldest version(S) of the legend is preserved in a 14th-century code in the Royal Library in Stockholm and represents a copy of an earlier lost document." reflects values important in the culture where this name first appeared.
Is Odd a boy or girl name?
Odd is a boy's name. The name has been used for boys across many generations, maintaining its masculine character through different eras and cultures. In old norse tradition, Odd has historically been given to boys. The meaning "This name derives from the Old Norse “oddr / oddi,” meaning “point, sharp point, peak, front ‘of an army,’ point ‘of a weapon,’ spear.” Oddr, the archer, or The saga of Oddr, the archer (Old Norse: Ǫrvar-Odds saga), is an Icelandic saga. The legend dates back to the end of the 13th-century and is believed to be the work of an Icelandic author. The oldest version(S) of the legend is preserved in a 14th-century code in the Royal Library in Stockholm and represents a copy of an earlier lost document." carries well for a son, giving the name lasting appeal.
How do you pronounce Odd?
Odd is pronounced "/ɔd/". This pronunciation follows no language patterns. As a single-syllable name, Odd is quick to say and easy to call out. Pronunciation may vary slightly in norwegian, swedish, danish, where the name is also used. Local accents and language rules can shift certain sounds while keeping the name recognizable. If you're unfamiliar with old norse names, listening to a native speaker say Odd can help you catch the right rhythm and emphasis.
How popular is the name Odd?
Odd is somewhat common, familiar to most people. With moderate popularity, Odd offers familiarity without being everywhere. It's the kind of name people recognize but don't hear every day. Odd's popularity may vary between old norse communities and the broader population, where naming trends differ. The name's meaning of "This name derives from the Old Norse “oddr / oddi,” meaning “point, sharp point, peak, front ‘of an army,’ point ‘of a weapon,’ spear.” Oddr, the archer, or The saga of Oddr, the archer (Old Norse: Ǫrvar-Odds saga), is an Icelandic saga. The legend dates back to the end of the 13th-century and is believed to be the work of an Icelandic author. The oldest version(S) of the legend is preserved in a 14th-century code in the Royal Library in Stockholm and represents a copy of an earlier lost document." likely influences its appeal, as parents often choose names that express values or hopes for their children. Among boys' names, Odd holds its own, appealing to parents who value distinctive options.
Where is the name Odd commonly used?
Odd spans multiple cultures, including norwegian, swedish, danish, and 3 other traditions. Though old norse in origin, Odd found a home in other cultures where it resonated with local naming preferences. Names that work across multiple cultures, like Odd, often have straightforward pronunciation and positive meanings that translate well. The meaning "This name derives from the Old Norse “oddr / oddi,” meaning “point, sharp point, peak, front ‘of an army,’ point ‘of a weapon,’ spear.” Oddr, the archer, or The saga of Oddr, the archer (Old Norse: Ǫrvar-Odds saga), is an Icelandic saga. The legend dates back to the end of the 13th-century and is believed to be the work of an Icelandic author. The oldest version(S) of the legend is preserved in a 14th-century code in the Royal Library in Stockholm and represents a copy of an earlier lost document." carries universal appeal, helping explain why different cultures adopted Odd into their naming traditions. A child named Odd will likely find their name recognized in multiple countries, which can be an advantage for families with international connections or who value global accessibility. Across these cultures, Odd is given to boys, maintaining consistent gender association.
Sources: Etymology verified through linguistic research including Oxford Dictionary of First Names, Behind the Name, and academic etymology databases.