Otto

Otto is a masculine given name of German origin. The name derives from a Germanic root associated with wealth or prosperity and was widely used in medieval German-speaking lands, eventually spreading to other parts of Europe and beyond. It was borne by rulers of the Ottonian dynasty and by Holy Roman Emperors Otto I the Great (912–973), Otto II (955–983), and Otto III (980–1002).

Beyond the medieval era, Otto became common in German-speaking regions and in Scandinavia, and it remains in use in various countries today. Notable individuals named Otto include Otto von Bismarck, the 19th-century German statesman; Otto Hahn, Nobel Prize–winning chemist; Otto Lilienthal, aviation pioneer; Otto Frank, father of Anne Frank; Otto Preminger, film director; and Otto Warburg, Nobel Prize–winning biochemist.

Otto is also used as a surname in some cases. In the business world, the Otto Group is a major German retailer and service company. The name has been invoked for various places and institutions, including towns and municipalities named Otto in different countries, as well as fictional characters in literature and television.