Ottokar

Ottokar is a masculine given name of Germanic origin, commonly found in German-speaking regions and, in its Czech form Otakar, in Central Europe. In historical sources, the name appears in Latinized or German spellings such as Ottakar or Ottokar. It is particularly associated with Bohemian (Czech) royal history of the 12th to 13th centuries.

In Bohemia, two major rulers bore the name in its Germanic form. Otakar I Přemyslid, who reigned as the ruler of Bohemia from around 1198 to 1230, is traditionally credited with consolidating royal authority and securing the royal title for Bohemia from the Holy Roman Empire. Otakar II Přemyslid, known as Ottakar II, ruled from about 1253 to 1278 and expanded Bohemian territory to include Austria, Styria, Carinthia, and other lands, becoming a dominant regional power before dying in the Battle of Marchfeld.

Beyond these rulers, the name Ottokar has appeared mainly in historical chronicles and literature, reflecting its use in German-speaking and Czech contexts. In modern times, Ottokar is relatively uncommon as a given name in everyday use, with the Czech form Otakar remaining more typical in the Czech Republic. The name’s historical associations with the Přemyslid dynasty contribute to its recognition in studies of Central European medieval history.

See also Otakar, the Czech form; Ottokar (disambiguation) for other historical or cultural references.