Ottar History, Family Crest & Coats of Arms

Origins Available:
Netherlands
England

Etymology of Ottar

What does the name Ottar mean?

The Dutch surname Ottar can either be a metonymic occupational name for an otter hunter or a nickname for someone supposedly resembling an otter in appearance from the Middle Dutch word otter.

Early Origins of the Ottar family

The surname Ottar was first found in Holland, where the name became noted for its many branches in the region, each house acquiring a status and influence which was envied by the princes of the region. The name was first recorded in Amsterdam, an ancient 13th century town held by the Lords of Amstel. Giesebrecht II built a castle there. Geisbrecht III built the dam to keep out the sea. It is first mentioned in charters of 1275 when Floris IV, the count of Holland granted its charter. It became a city of great mercantile wealth. It hold great treasures of art. In their later history the surname became a power unto themselves and were elevated to the ranks of nobility as they grew into a most influential family.

Early History of the Ottar family

This web page shows only a small excerpt of our Ottar research. Another 89 words (6 lines of text) covering the years 1718 and 1719 are included under the topic Early Ottar History in all our PDF Extended History products and printed products wherever possible.

Ottar Spelling Variations

Spelling variations of this family name include: Otter, Otters, Ottere, Otteres, Otterr, Otterrs, Oter, Oters, Ottar, van Ottar, de Otter and many more.

Early Notables of the Ottar family

More information is included under the topic Early Ottar Notables in all our PDF Extended History products and printed products wherever possible.

Migration of the Ottar family

Some of the first settlers of this family name or some of its variants were: Johannes George Oder, who settled in Philadelphia in 1733; Johan Henrich Otter, who came to Philadelphia in 1734; Johan Casspar Other, who settled in Philadelphia in 1740.

Contemporary Notables of the name Ottar (post 1700) +

Tor Ottar Karlsen (b. 1950), Norwegian politician
Ottar Brox (1932-2024), Norwegian authority in social science and a politician for the Socialist Left Party
Ottar Wicklund (1911-1978), Norwegian actor