Otta: a female name of Hebrew origin meaning "Otta is the short form of Ottilia, Lotta and the feminine form of Otto and Ottar".It derives from the Hebrew word (*AUDAZ / *ōþ- > UODIL > OTHO) (*Ohtherr) (ELISHEVA) (KARL).
Parents seeking a meaningful feminine name often discover Otta, drawn to its Hebrew heritage and beautiful significance: "Otta is the short form of Ottilia, Lotta and the feminine form of Otto and Ottar". This name offers a perfect blend of cultural depth and personal meaning, making it a timeless choice for families around the world.
Quick Facts About Otta
Quick facts about Otta
Origin
Hebrew, Germanic, Old Norse
Gender
Girl 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
Otta is the short form of Ottilia, Lotta and the feminine form of Otto and Ottar. It is of Old Norse, Germanic, and Hebrew origin and comes from the following roots: (*AUDAZ / *ŌÞ- > UODIL > OTHO) (*OHTHERR) (ELISHEVA) and (KARL).
Otta enjoys international appeal, used in 4 different linguistic and cultural contexts including norwegian, icelandic, swedish, and many others. This widespread adoption reflects its universal resonance.
norwegianicelandicswedishdanish
Name Relationships
The masculine counterpart to Otta is Otto, Ottar, sharing the same Hebrew etymology and core meaning. Both names derive from the same linguistic root.
Frequently Asked Questions About Otta
What does the name Otta mean?
Otta means "Otta is the short form of Ottilia, Lotta and the feminine form of Otto and Ottar. It is of Old Norse, Germanic, and Hebrew origin and comes from the following roots: (*AUDAZ / *ŌÞ- > UODIL > OTHO) (*OHTHERR) (ELISHEVA) and (KARL).". The name comes from (*AUDAZ / *ōþ- > UODIL > OTHO) (*Ohtherr) (ELISHEVA) (KARL). In its original form, the name derives from Elisheva (אלישבע). This hebrew name has been passed down through generations, carrying its meaning across different cultures and time periods. Parents who choose Otta for girls often connect with the name's meaning of "Otta is the short form of Ottilia, Lotta and the feminine form of Otto and Ottar. It is of Old Norse, Germanic, and Hebrew origin and comes from the following roots: (*AUDAZ / *ŌÞ- > UODIL > OTHO) (*OHTHERR) (ELISHEVA) and (KARL)." as a quality they hope to see in their child. While not the most common choice, Otta's meaningful roots have given it staying power among parents looking for a name with substance.
What is the origin of the name Otta?
Otta has hebrew and germanic and old norse origins. The name traces back to (*AUDAZ / *ōþ- > UODIL > OTHO) (*Ohtherr) (ELISHEVA) (KARL). The original form Elisheva (אלישבע) shows the name's roots in its native language. From its hebrew roots, Otta spread to become common in norwegian, icelandic, swedish, danish. The hebrew meaning "Otta is the short form of Ottilia, Lotta and the feminine form of Otto and Ottar. It is of Old Norse, Germanic, and Hebrew origin and comes from the following roots: (*AUDAZ / *ŌÞ- > UODIL > OTHO) (*OHTHERR) (ELISHEVA) and (KARL)." reflects values important in the culture where this name first appeared.
Is Otta a boy or girl name?
Otta is a girl's name. This traditionally feminine name has been chosen by parents for daughters across many cultures and time periods. In hebrew tradition, Otta has historically been given to girls. The meaning "Otta is the short form of Ottilia, Lotta and the feminine form of Otto and Ottar. It is of Old Norse, Germanic, and Hebrew origin and comes from the following roots: (*AUDAZ / *ŌÞ- > UODIL > OTHO) (*OHTHERR) (ELISHEVA) and (KARL)." carries well for a daughter, giving the name lasting appeal.
How do you pronounce Otta?
Otta is pronounced "/ˈɔːtə/". This pronunciation follows de language patterns. As a single-syllable name, Otta is quick to say and easy to call out. Pronunciation may vary slightly in norwegian, icelandic, swedish, 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 hebrew names, listening to a native speaker say Otta can help you catch the right rhythm and emphasis. The name's root (*AUDAZ / *ōþ- > UODIL > OTHO) (*Ohtherr) (ELISHEVA) (KARL) influences how Otta sounds in its original language.
What are common nicknames for Otta?
Otta is commonly used as a nickname for Ottilia, Lotta. Being a shortened version of Ottilia, Lotta, Otta offers a casual alternative that's quicker to say in everyday conversation. Many people named Ottilia, Lotta go by Otta throughout their lives, using the full name only on official documents. In hebrew cultures, using Otta as a nickname carries a sense of familiarity and warmth. This nickname pattern is common among girls and women, though some now use Otta as a given name on its own. Today, parents sometimes put Otta on the birth certificate directly, skipping the longer form entirely. This gives the child a name that feels both complete and approachable.
How popular is the name Otta?
Otta is somewhat common, familiar to most people. With moderate popularity, Otta offers familiarity without being everywhere. It's the kind of name people recognize but don't hear every day. Otta's popularity may vary between hebrew communities and the broader population, where naming trends differ. The name's meaning of "Otta is the short form of Ottilia, Lotta and the feminine form of Otto and Ottar. It is of Old Norse, Germanic, and Hebrew origin and comes from the following roots: (*AUDAZ / *ŌÞ- > UODIL > OTHO) (*OHTHERR) (ELISHEVA) and (KARL)." likely influences its appeal, as parents often choose names that express values or hopes for their children. Among girls' names, Otta holds its own, appealing to parents who value distinctive options.
What are variations of the name Otta?
Otta is related to Otto, Ottar (feminine). The feminine version Otto, Ottar carries the same essential meaning, adapted to fit naming conventions for girls. In hebrew tradition, these variations allow the core name to work across different contexts while maintaining its character. All variations preserve the meaning "Otta is the short form of Ottilia, Lotta and the feminine form of Otto and Ottar. It is of Old Norse, Germanic, and Hebrew origin and comes from the following roots: (*AUDAZ / *ŌÞ- > UODIL > OTHO) (*OHTHERR) (ELISHEVA) and (KARL).", so choosing between them comes down to sound preference and cultural fit rather than different meanings. Parents drawn to Otta might also consider these related forms, especially if they want options for siblings or prefer a more traditional or modern feel. In norwegian and icelandic, Otta may be more or less common than its variations, depending on local naming customs.
Where is the name Otta commonly used?
Otta spans multiple cultures, including norwegian, icelandic, swedish, and 1 other traditions. Though hebrew in origin, Otta found a home in other cultures where it resonated with local naming preferences. Names that work across multiple cultures, like Otta, often have straightforward pronunciation and positive meanings that translate well. The meaning "Otta is the short form of Ottilia, Lotta and the feminine form of Otto and Ottar. It is of Old Norse, Germanic, and Hebrew origin and comes from the following roots: (*AUDAZ / *ŌÞ- > UODIL > OTHO) (*OHTHERR) (ELISHEVA) and (KARL)." carries universal appeal, helping explain why different cultures adopted Otta into their naming traditions. A child named Otta 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, Otta is given to girls, maintaining consistent gender association.
Sources: Etymology verified through linguistic research including Oxford Dictionary of First Names, Behind the Name, and academic etymology databases.