Otha

Otha is a masculine given name that has appeared primarily in the United States. Its use is documented in the 20th century, and the name has been borne by several figures in American life. The exact origin of Otha is not definitively established; it is often treated as a distinct name or a phonetic variation of other names in English, such as Otis, though there is no consensus.

Notable bearers include Otha Turner (1907–2003), an American fife and drum musician from Mississippi who led the Rising Star Fife and Drum and contributed to the preservation of regional folk music. Beyond Turner, the name has appeared among various individuals in different fields, but Otha remains relatively uncommon in contemporary given-name usage.

As a surname, Otha is rare and poorly documented compared with its use as a given name. In modern naming practice, Otha is more commonly seen in historical contexts or among older generations, rather than as a mainstream contemporary choice. Related names sometimes linked in discussions of etymology or usage include Otis and Otho.