What customs and traditions are associated with English baby names?

English naming customs typically involve three elements - a given name, a middle name (s), and a family name. The British follow a patrilineal naming system where the child inherits their fathers family name. However, following the patrilineal naming system is not mandatory. Instead, parents have the freedom to choose their childs last name. Some parents could also give their child the mothers last name. In contrast, others may provide both mother and father surnames in a hyphenated form, reflecting the flexibility in English naming traditions and customs.

How do English baby names reflect a person's heritage?

English naming conventions are diverse, encompassing people from different religions, ethnicities, and cultural backgrounds. Many parents may opt for names that mirror their ethnic and cultural connections. For example, parents of Irish heritage may choose titles like Liam. On the other hand, those of Greek origin might opt for names like Sophia or Alexander. Parents may also pick names that reflect their regional heritage. For example, Devon and Kent are names inspired by specific regions or places within England. Furthermore, many families pass down names from one generation to another or choose monikers inspired by literary and historical figures.

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330 English Baby Names with Meanings, Starting With O

Written by Shikha Thakur, MBA Specialty: Relationships and Baby NamesExperience: 7 years

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Edited by Siddharth Kesiraju, MA, Certification in Relationship Coaching Specialty: Love, Marriage and RelationshipsExperience: 7 years

Siddharth holds a certification in Relationship Coaching and a masters degree in communication and journalism from the University of Hyderabad. He has around seven years of experience in various fields of writing and editing.

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Fact-checked by Praggya Joshi, MA, BEd Specialty: Child education & activitiesExperience: 2 years

Praggya Joshi holds a bachelor's degree in Education and a master's in Ancient Indian History from University of Delhi. She has a robust knowledge of literature, society, and ethics. Praggya has been a content writer since 2021, researching and writing on education, health and wellness, and travel.

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Last Updated on Oct 3, 2023

Illustration: MomJunction Design Team

Name	Gender	Meaning
Olivia	Girl	Peace; Olive tree
Oliver	Boy	Olive; Olive tree planter; Ancestor's descendant; All cautious
Olive	Girl	Olive tree
Oaklynn	Girl	Oak clearing
Oscar	Boy	God's spear; Friend of deer
Octavia	Girl	Eight or eighth
Omar	Boy	Flourishing; Long-lived; Wealthy; Famous; Eloquent; Gifted
Ophelia	Girl	Help; Benefit
Odin	Boy	Inspiration; Frenzy; Rage
Opal	Girl	Jewel

Oaklyn	Girl	Oak clearing
Otis	Boy	Wealth; Son of Ode
Ozzy	Boy	Powerful God; Divine ruler; God's spear
Orlando	Boy	Famous in the land
Ollie	Boy	Ancestor's descendant; Olive; Olive tree; All guard
Oakland	Boy	Oak land; Someone who lived by an oak land
Oskar	Boy	God's spear; Deer's friend
Ozzie	Boy	Mighty God; Warrior of God
Oriana	Girl	Gold
Olin	Boy	Ancestor's descendant; From a low lying area; Motion

Orson	Boy	Bear cub; Ormond's son
Orin	Boy	Fair; Pine tree; Lights
Osiel	Unisex	My power is God
Oswald	Boy	God's power; Mighty god
Oak	Boy	Oak tree; Someone who lived near an oak tree
Oziah	Unisex	Salvation; The strength of the Lord; Helper
Olyvia	Girl	Olive; Olive tree; Ancestor's descendant; All cautious
Olen	Boy	Ancestor's descendant
Opie	Boy	One who like God Almighty; Iridescent gemstone; Jewel
Osmar	Boy	Famous God

Oaklen	Unisex	Strong; Determined; Resilient
October	Girl	Eight; Eighth month
Odysseus	Boy	To hate or lament
Oberon	Boy	Elf ruler; King of elves; Royal bear
Oz	Boy	God; Strength
Olliver	Boy	Olive; Olive tree; Ancestor's descendant; All cautious; Elf warrior
Oaks	Boy	Oak tree; Jade; Arrow; Son of Dubhdara'
Olan	Boy	Grand; Great; Enormous; Echo; Reflection
Odelia	Girl	Heritage; Wealth; I will thank Yahweh
Ora	Girl	Light; Prayer

Orianna	Girl	Gold; Rising sun; The golden one; Daughter of the light/fire
Oran	Boy	Tan; Little green one; Singing in light
Orian	Unisex	Educated In the Bible; Gold
Owyn	Unisex	Well-born; Noble
Oryn	Unisex	Pine tree; Dun-colored; Greyish brown; Tan
Oisin	Boy	Little deer
Oceana	Girl	Ocean; From the ocean
Oakes	Boy	Oak tree; Someone who lived near an oak tree; Son of Dubhdara
Ozan	Boy	A bard
Obie	Boy	God's servant; Worshipping; Elf ruler

Olivander	Boy	The one who shelters the olive tree
Olivianna	Girl	Olive; Olive tree
Orville	Boy	Town or city filled with golden treasuries
Osmond	Boy	God's protection
Osborne	Boy	The warrior of God's army; The spiritual bear
Olivine	Girl	Olive; Olive tree
Oswin	Boy	God's friend
Oxford	Boy	Oxen crossing; From Oxford
Oneil	Unisex	Descendant of Neil
Orlin	Boy	Eagle; Renowned in the land

Osama	Boy	Lion; Majestic
Oaklin	Unisex	Oak clearing
Onix	Unisex	Claw; Nail; Gemstone
Oliviah	Girl	Olive; Olive tree; Elf warrior
Ottis	Boy	Wealth; Son of Ode
Oceanna	Girl	Ocean; From the ocean
Okey	Boy	A bright shining light that is pleasing to the eyes
Orval	Boy	A town of Gold
Oasis	Girl	A cultivated area in a desert
Odis	Boy	Wealth; Fortune

Ogden	Boy	Oak valley
Orie	Boy	Cherry Blossom; To Pray; Golden City
Othello	Boy	Wealth
Orchid	Girl	Eponymous flowering plant; Testicles
Omni	Boy	All; Universal
Orlena	Girl	Gold; Gilded
Oris	Boy	Tree
Olli	Boy	Ancestor's descendant; Olive; Olive tree; All guard
Oriah	Unisex	Golden
Omelia	Girl	Conversation; Sermon

Osric	Boy	God's rule; God's power
Olman	Boy	Old money; Wealth
Obsidian	Unisex	Volcanic glass; Of Obsidius; Power; Help; Support
Ormond	Boy	Red; Descendant of Ruadh
Orabella	Girl	Given to prayer; Entreatable
Ova	Girl	Egg; Edge of a sword; Awe; Ancestor's descendant
Orren	Boy	Pine tree; Tan; Greyish brown
Osbourne	Boy	The mercy of God
Owin	Boy	Noble born
Oxley	Boy	Oxen clearing; Inhabitants of Oxley

Oberyn	Boy	Elf ruler
Owan	Unisex	Well-born; Sheep; Desire; Born from the yew tree;
Osian	Girl	Deer; Stag
Oriane	Girl	Gold; Flower; Rising sun; The golden one
Onalee	Unisex	Favor; Grace; Clearing
Oman	Boy	Friend; Helper; Protector; To settle or swell
Odyssey	Boy	An adventurous voyage; A spiritual quest; Of Odysseus
Osborn	Boy	The warrior of God; Bear God
Odhran	Boy	Dun-colored; Greyish brown; Tan
Orik	Boy	Steadiness of mind under stress

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Infographic: Top English Baby Names with Meanings, Starting With O

Our infographic below features options from timeless classics to contemporary favorites that complement your child's personality. Scroll through the list to find the perfect name that reflects your preferences and your family's shared values.

English Baby Names with Meanings, Starting With O(infographic)

Look Up For Many More Names

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