Ozzy
AH-zee
Ozzy is a short form of Oswald, from the Old English Osweald, combining os (“god,” in the sense of a divine power—related to the Norse Aesir) and weald (“power,” “rule”). It may also shorten Osbourne, from Osbeorn (“god-bear” or “bear-god”).
As a standalone name, Ozzy has been used primarily as a nickname in English-speaking countries before its recent emergence as a given name in its own right.
Ozzy peaked at No. 553 in 2023 with 529 births. In 2024 it ranks No. 602 with 472 births, near its recent high.
What the name Ozzy means
Rock musician Ozzy Osbourne, the “Prince of Darkness” and Black Sabbath vocalist, is the name’s most famous bearer. His decades of cultural visibility have made the name permanently associated with hard rock and theatrical excess.
Two syllables—OZ-ee—are playful and energetic. The name has a bouncy, irreverent quality that makes it feel both fun and distinctive as a standalone given name.
Parents choosing Ozzy as a full given name rather than a nickname are participating in the broader trend of registering informal short forms—Bobby, Jimmy, Teddy—as official names.
The Old English divine power meaning and the Ozzy Osbourne association occupy opposite ends of the cultural spectrum, which gives the name an interesting duality for parents who enjoy that contrast.
US popularity over time
Numerology and symbolism
Based on Pythagorean numerology — a traditional system linking name letters to numbers. Presented for cultural interest.
Famous people named Ozzy
Ozzy - similar names
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