Noah Boy
NOH-uh
“rest, comfort” · Hebrew
#2
Oskar
BoyIrish, Scandinavian· “uncertain; possibly deer friend”
- Meaning
- uncertain; possibly deer friend (origin disputed)
- Origin
- Irish, Scandinavian
- Pronunciation
- OS-ker
- Syllables
- 2
- US rank 2025
- #1,750
- US babies 2025
- 93
- Best rank
- #1,191 (2016)
- Peak year
- 2016
Meaning and origin of Oskar
Oskar is often said to mean “uncertain; possibly deer friend”; the origin is uncertain, though it is usually linked to Irish and Scandinavian roots.
Oskar is the Scandinavian, German and Slavic spelling of Oscar. Its origin is debated: it is often traced to Irish Gaelic words meaning "deer friend," while others connect it with Old English or Norse names meaning "god's spear." The name was popularized by James Macpherson's Ossian poems, where Oscar is the grandson of Fingal, and Napoleon chose it for his godson, who later became King Oscar I of Sweden. Oskar has a crisp, European style and a friendly, approachable sound.
Other spellings with the same sound: Oscar.
Popularity over time
Oskar first appears in US Social Security records in 1916. It has never ranked in the national top 1,000, which keeps it genuinely uncommon. Its best national rank was #1,191 in 2016, the same year it reached its highest count of 160 babies. In 2025, 93 babies were named Oskar, and it ranked #1,750 nationally. Its use has been fairly steady over the past decade.
Its national rank moved from #6,033 in 1980, #2,462 in 2000, #1,320 in 2010, and #1,750 in 2025. Of the 3,241 US boys named Oskar since records began, 41% were born in the 2010s, its biggest decade. The 2000s come next, with 822 babies.
Other boys' names that peaked around the same time include Smith, Ishmael, Abdulrahman, Linus, and Ruger.
Where it is most popular (2025)
In 2025, Oskar ranked highest in Minnesota, Illinois, and Washington.
| State | Rank there | Babies |
|---|---|---|
| Minnesota | #539 | 10 |
| Illinois | #916 | 9 |
| Washington | #1111 | 5 |
| New Jersey | #1142 | 5 |
| Michigan | #1223 | 5 |
Gender, sound and spelling
In the US it is used almost only for boys.
Oskar is usually pronounced OS-ker, with two syllables. It has five letters, starts with O and ends in “-ar”. Names that sound the same but are spelled differently include Oscar.
Middle names for Oskar
A few middle names that flow with Oskar: each avoids a matching first letter, a rhyme and a vowel clash where the names meet.
Sibling names for Oskar
Similar names
Edgar Boy
ED-gur
“rich spear” · Old English
#486
Gunnar Boy
GUH-nur
“bold warrior” · Old Norse
#612
Amar Boy
uh-MAHR
“immortal” · Sanskrit
#1,388
Umar Boy
OO-mahr
“life, long-lived” · Arabic
#1,164
Ammar Boy
ah-MAHR
“one who builds, long-lived” · Arabic
#1,241
Samar Unisex
suh-MAHR
“evening conversation” · Arabic
#2,329
Gaspar Boy
GAS-par
“form of Jasper; possibly treasurer” · Spanish
#3,053
Omar Boy
OH-mahr
“long-lived; flourishing” · Arabic
#260
Cesar Boy
SAY-sahr
“uncertain (from Caesar)” · Spanish
#385
Braden Boy
BRAY-den
“descendant of Bradán; salmon” · Irish
#1,152
Brendan Boy
BREHN-duhn
“prince” · Irish
#1,098
Aden Boy
AY-duhn
“little fire” · Irish
#1,008
Lists that include Oskar
Frequently asked questions
What does the name Oskar mean?
Oskar is often said to mean “uncertain; possibly deer friend”; the origin is uncertain, though it is usually linked to Irish and Scandinavian roots.
What is the origin of the name Oskar?
Oskar has Irish and Scandinavian roots. Oskar is the Scandinavian, German and Slavic spelling of Oscar.
Is Oskar a popular name?
Not especially. Oskar ranked #1,750 in the US in 2025, which puts it outside the top 1,000.
Is Oskar a boy or girl name?
Oskar is mainly a boy's name. In the US it is used almost only for boys.
How do you pronounce Oskar?
Oskar is usually pronounced OS-ker. Stressed syllables are in capital letters.
Popularity figures come from US Social Security card applications (names given to at least five babies in a year, 1880 to 2025). How we source names and meanings