Oskar
Say it: OS-kar/ˈɔs.kar/
BoyMeans traditionally "deer friend", though the origin is uncertain5 letters2 syllables
#468
in Ireland (2025)
#453 with spellings combined
7
babies in 2025
#130
best rank (2015)
598
babies since 1995
Down 323
10-year rank change
Oskar through the years
Compare with another name →Show the numbers
| Year | Babies (boys) | Rank |
|---|---|---|
| 2025 | 7 | #453 |
| 2024 | 18 | #238 |
| 2023 | 8 | #426 |
| 2022 | 11 | #357 |
| 2021 | 11 | #339 |
| 2020 | 14 | #299 |
| 2019 | 28 | #190 |
| 2018 | 25 | #215 |
| 2017 | 30 | #195 |
| 2016 | 37 | #165 |
| 2015 | 47 | #130 |
| 2014 | 28 | #208 |
| 2013 | 41 | #157 |
| 2012 | 33 | #191 |
| 2011 | 49 | #143 |
| 2010 | 49 | #147 |
| 2009 | 53 | #133 |
| 2008 | 40 | #163 |
| 2007 | 34 | #163 |
| 2006 | 21 | #200 |
| 2005 | 8 | #302 |
| 2003 | 3 | #500 |
| 1995 | 3 | #334 |
Source: CSO, Irish Babies' Names (VSA50, VSA60), CC BY 4.0.
★ What does Oskar mean?
Traditionally "deer friend", though the origin is uncertain
The Scandinavian, German and Polish spelling of Oscar, a name from Irish legend.
Say it right
OSkar
The story of Oskar
Oskar is the spelling of Oscar used in Sweden, Germany, Poland and much of northern and central Europe. The name goes back to the Oscar of Irish legend, the son of Oisín and grandson of Fionn mac Cumhaill. Its meaning is not settled, though it is often split into Irish os (deer) and cara (friend).
The name travelled to the continent through the Ossian poems of the 1760s, which were read all over Europe. In Sweden it became fashionable in the nineteenth century and was later one of the most common names for boys born there. So families who give Oskar in Ireland today are often bringing an Irish name home in a European spelling.
Oskar first appears in the CSO records in 1995. Its biggest year was 2009, with 53 boys, and its best rank was number 130 in 2015. It has been given less often since then, and 7 boys were named Oskar in 2025. The CSO counts it separately from Oscar. In Northern Ireland its best rank was number 145 in 2014.
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Sources
- Wiktionary: Oskar (Polish, German and Swedish proper noun)
- Wikipedia: Oscar (given name)
- CSO VSA50, Boys Names in Ireland with 3 or More Occurrences
- NISRA, First Forenames Given to Babies Registered in Northern Ireland
At a glance
Similar names
Sibling ideas
Spellings counted here
| Spelling | 2025 | All years |
|---|---|---|
| Oskar | 7 | 598 |
In Northern Ireland
Not in the 2025 list. Best rank #145 (2014); 128 babies since 2007.
Source: NISRA, Open Government Licence.