Oswald - name meaning and origin

The boy's name Oswald \o-swa-ld, os-wald\ is pronounced OZ-wald. It is of Old German origin, and its meaning is "God's power". May derive from a different German phrase, meaning "man from the south woods". Name of two saints, and mostly 19th century use. Actor Ozzie Nelson's real name was Oswald. The name had negative connotations in America after President Kennedy's assasination due to Lee Harvey Oswald. Fashion designer Ossie Clark.

Oswald has 9 variant forms: Ossie, Osvald, Osvaldo, Oswaldo, Oswell, Oswin, Ozzie, Ozzy and Waldo.

Oswald is a very rare male first name and a very popular surname (source: 1990 U.S. Census). Displayed below is the baby name popularity trend for the boy's name Oswald. Compare Oswald with related baby names.