Otto
/ˈɔto/
Otto is the German male given name Otto.
Meaning: male given name (name)
How do you pronounce it?
/ˈɔto/
Did you know?
- Because it is a palindrome, Otto is often used in German primary schools to teach children about words that read the same forward and backward.
- The name Otto is derived from the Proto-Germanic word *audaz, which originally meant 'treasure' or 'wealth'.
- While once a mark of high nobility, Otto is now frequently viewed as an Opa-Name, or 'grandfather name', making it sound quaint or outdated to modern Germans.
Examples in context
- Paul ist klüger als Otto.Paul is smarter than Otto.This sentence is useful for comparing the intelligence of two people using the form Otto.Tatoeba #1253335 by Tlustulimu, translation #4910214 by Eldad
- Wen nannte man den eisernen Kanzler? Helmut Kohl oder Otto von Bismarck?Who was called the Iron Chancellor? Helmut Kohl or Otto von Bismarck?This sentence is useful for discussing historical figures such as Otto von Bismarck using the form Otto.Tatoeba #7878375 by felix63, translation #12231168 by Miktsoanit
- Der Onkel Otto Lidenbrock unternimmt mit seinem Neffen Axel eine Reise zum Mittelpunkt der Erde.Uncle Otto Lidenbrock sets off on a journey to the centre of the Earth with his nephew Axel.This sentence is useful for identifying fictional characters like Uncle Otto Lidenbrock using the form Otto.Tatoeba #13957411 by Ioan_Cristian, translation #13957417 by Ioan_Cristian
- Hast du Otto gestern gesehen?Did you see Otto yesterday?
Example conversation
Sarah and Maximilian are at a coffee shop discussing a mutual friend.
- SarahIst Otto auch heute hier?Is Otto here today too?
- MaximilianNein, Otto hat heute leider keine Zeit.No, unfortunately Otto doesn't have time today.
- SarahDas ist schade, ich wollte ihn treffen.That's a pity, I wanted to meet him.
- MaximilianVielleicht sehen wir ihn morgen.Maybe we will see him tomorrow.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “otto” translations and entries Otto, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries Otto, CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
