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Othniel

Boy name · 4 babies recorded · 1974–2025

Othniel: 4 babies born in Scotland since 1974, given to boys, peaking at 4 births in 2024.

Othniel carries ancient Hebrew roots, drawn from “Othni’el,” meaning “lion of God” or “God is my strength.” It appears in the Bible as the first judge of Israel, a warrior who delivered the Israelites from oppression—a figure of courage and divine support. In the modern era, the name belongs to Othniel C. Marsh, the pioneering 19th-century American paleontologist who discovered and named many fossil species. While no major places bear the name directly, its biblical weight gives it a quiet, steadfast presence. Othniel remains a rare but dignified choice, especially for families drawn to Old Testament names with a strong, protective