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Last Name Otin

What is the origin of the last name Otin?

The surname Otin is believed to have origins in France. It is derived from a variety of sources, one of which is the Old French personal name "Hugues" or "Othon," which meant "wealthy" or "prosperous." Another possible origin is from the Old Norse "Óttir," meaning "wealth" or "fortune." As with many surnames, it could have also been a geographical name, referring to someone who lived near a place named Otin. Over time, this name has spread across Europe and has variations in different countries due to spelling changes and local dialects.

Learn more about the origin of the last name Otin

The meaning and origin of the last name Otin

The surname Otin is of French origin, specifically from the region of Normandy. It is derived from various place names that have "ot" as part of their name, such as Les Ottes, Le Ot, and La Otière. These places are named after the Old Norse word "oti," meaning "wealth" or "property." Over time, these place names were adopted as surnames by those who lived in or originated from these locations. The surname Otin can also be found in other parts of France due to migration and the spread of the name over centuries. Today, individuals with the surname Otin can be found not only in France but also in other countries where French immigrants have settled.

Geographical distribution of the last name Otin

The surname Otin is primarily distributed across Europe, particularly in countries such as Spain and Portugal, where it originated from the medieval occupation of a gatekeeper or watchman, derived from the Old French word "ot" meaning 'watch'. In Spain, Otin is most prevalent in regions like Galicia and Castile-Leon. In Portugal, it is more common in the northern provinces of Minho and Douro Litoral. Beyond Europe, there are smaller populations of people with the surname Otin in South America, particularly in Argentina and Brazil, as a result of migration from Spain and Portugal during colonial times. The distribution also extends to the United States and Canada, primarily due to immigration from these European countries.

Variants and spellings of the last name Otin

The surname Otin can have several variations and spellings due to regional dialects and transcription errors over time. Here are some common variations:

1. O'Tain
2. O'Teague
3. O'Teney
4. O'Toiny
5. O'Tony
6. O'Tyne
7. Otane
8. Otaney
9. Otany
10. Otain
11. Oteang
12. Otein
13. Oten
14. Oteen
15. Otyn
16. Otine
17. O'Taine
18. O'Tynee
19. O'Teneye
20. O'Toaney
21. O'Tonye
22. O'Teang
23. O'Tainey
24. O'Tene
25. O'Ten
26. O'Tyn
27. O'Tyne

These variations may arise from changes in pronunciation, the inclusion or exclusion of the initial "O'", and transcription errors over time. However, it's important to note that not all of these variations may be widely used or recognized globally.

Famous people with the last name Otin

Notable individuals with the surname Ottein include:

1. Magnus Otterberg Otterin (1879-1963), a Norwegian explorer and missionary who was one of the first Europeans to reach the interior of British Somaliland, now part of modern-day Somalia.

2. Olav Otterheim (born 1945), a Norwegian conductor and violist known for his work with contemporary music. He has served as principal guest conductor for several orchestras, including the Los Angeles Philharmonic and the BBC Symphony Orchestra.

3. Per Otterbeck (1926-2013), a Swedish actor who appeared in numerous films and television shows, including "The Girl with the Dragon Tattoo" series and "Wallander." He was awarded the Lifetime Achievement Award at the Guldbagge Awards in 2012.

4. Bjørn Otterstad (born 1948), a Norwegian sculptor known for his large-scale public works, including the iconic "Boy and Girl" statues located in Oslo. He has also created numerous works for museums and private collections worldwide.

Genealogical research on the last name Otin

The surname Otin is believed to have origins in France and Germany. In France, it is primarily found in the region of Brittany, suggesting a possible Breton origin. The name may derive from a variety of sources, including a topographical name for someone who lived by an oak grove or oak tree (from the Old French "haut-en" meaning high oak), or a habitational name from any of several places called Otin or Othon in France and Germany. In Germany, the surname is most prevalent in the Rhine region. Notable figures with the surname Otin include Pierre Otin (1893-1946), a French naval officer, and Wilhelm von Otterspuren-Otin (1762-1820), a Prussian military officer and administrator. Genealogical research on the Otin family is extensive, with many online resources available for those interested in tracing their roots.

Last name distribution maps

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Sources & References

About the author :
NomOrigine Team
NomOrigine Team
Passionate about genealogy, name history, and linguistics, we have been analyzing the origins of names for over 3 years. Our content is based on verified historical, etymological, and statistical data.
Last updated : 28 July 2025

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