Otis

Otis is an English surname of Germanic origin, derived from the given name Oda or Ode, itself rooted in the element aud meaning "wealth" or "fortune." It became a common given name in the American South and Midwest during the 19th and 20th centuries, taking on a distinctly warm, character-filled quality. The name gained cultural resonance through Otis Redding, the soul legend, who gave it an indelible musical association.

Otis ranks #125 among America's most popular pet names, and it belongs to the growing family of vintage human names that owners are rediscovering for their companions. There is something wonderfully unhurried about Otis — it sounds like a name for a pet who takes life at their own pace, who has strong opinions about their favorite spot on the couch, and who radiates a steady, soulful warmth. It has become a favorite in the same wave of taste that brought back names like Milo, Archie, and Jasper.