OSKAR

Oskar is a masculine given name used in many European languages. It is a spelling variant of Oscar and is common in German-speaking countries, as well as in Scandinavia, Poland, and the Czech Republic. The English form Oscar is closely related, and in Finnish it appears as Oskari. The name is used in several other languages with minor spelling differences.

Origin and meaning: The etymology is uncertain. It is generally linked to the Gaelic personal name Osgar, though the exact meaning is debated. Theories connect it to possible elements meaning “deer” or “god” combined with “spear” or “sword,” but there is no consensus.

Usage and popularity: Oskar has been widely used since the 19th century, with popularity varying by country and era. It remains common in modern naming across Europe and in diaspora communities.

Notable bearers: Notable people named Oskar include Oskar Kokoschka, Austrian painter and writer (1886–1980), and Oskar Schindler, Austrian-German industrialist and humanitarian (1908–1974).

Variants and related forms: Diminutives and related names include Ossi and Ossie in some contexts; variants include Oscar (English), Oskar (German, Polish, Czech), Oskari (Finnish), and Óscar (Spanish).