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At a Glance
- Meaning
- God + rule/power ("god's rule")
- Origin
- Old English
- Gender
- Boy
- Pronunciation
- AHZ-wald
Oswald is a boy's name from Old English, formed from two parts meaning 'god' and 'rule' or 'power' — together, 'god's rule.' It's pronounced AHZ-wald. Among names with that bold, trailblazing feel, Oswald stands out for having a meaning you can point to directly rather than one that's vague or disputed.
Meaning & Origin of Oswald
Meaning: God + rule/power ("god's rule").
Origin: Old English.
Source: Wiktionary, Wikipedia.
How to Pronounce Oswald
AHZ-waldIPA /ˈɑːzwəld/
Popularity of Oswald
Oswald hit its high point in 1886, ranking #465 with 16 babies given the name that year. By 2024 it had dropped to #2121 — even though 70 babies were named Oswald that year, more than in 1886, showing just how many more names parents are choosing from now.
Names Like Oswald
These names share Oswald’s style, era or origin.
FAQ
What does the name Oswald mean?
God + rule/power (“god’s rule”). (Source: Wiktionary)
How do you pronounce Oswald?
Oswald is pronounced AHZ-wald (IPA: /ˈɑːzwəld/).
Is Oswald a popular name right now?
Oswald peaked at #465 in 1886 and is ranked #2121 as of 2024. (U.S. Social Security Administration data, 1880–2024.)
Make Oswald Name Art
Free printable nursery art for Oswald, pre-loaded below — pick a layout, palette, and font, then download a print-ready PNG.
📊 How popular is Oswald? See the full popularity history, trend data, and ranking since 1880 with our free Baby Name Popularity Checker.
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