Etymology & Historical Origin of the Baby Name Osvaldo
Osvaldo is the Italian, Spanish and Portuguese equivalent to the English and German Oswald. Oswald is made up of the Germanic elements “ōs” meaning “god” and “weald” meaning “rule”. Oswald is a name that dates back to the early Middle Ages in England and prevalent among the early Anglo-Saxons. Oswald of Northumbria was an early 7th century King of Northumbria, an Angles kingdom in the northeastern portion of present day England. After Oswald’s father was defeated and killed in an East Anglian battle, the boy’s maternal uncle became king which forced Oswald into exile. Much of this exile was spent in the Scottish-Celtic kingdom of Dál Riata where the youngster was exposed (and converted) to Christianity (thanks to the early missions of the Irish Saint Columba). Meanwhile, back in Britain, the King of the native Britons (Celts) and the King of Mercia (another Anglo-tribe) entered a pact to kill Edwin (Oswald’s uncle). Oswald’s brother (who was the king of the southern portion of Northumbria) was also killed when he tried to negotiate a peaceful settlement with the Briton King Cadwallon. Now it was time for Oswald to come face-to-face with his nemesis Cadwallon. It is believed that Oswald came south from Dál Riata, perhaps allied with some of his new pals the Scots and the Picts, and met Cadwallon at battle in Northumbria. He carried a cross and prayed to his new Christian god asking strength for his army. According to legend, an apparition of St. Columba appeared before Oswald promising victory and the death of Cadwallon. Despite being outnumbered by the Britons, Oswald was indeed victorious (much of his army converted to Christianity after the battle convinced there must be something to the one divine power they apparently witnessed). Oswald went on to reestablish a united Northumbria and came to be regarded as the most powerful king in Britain. Saint Aidan was sent from Dál Riata to help King Oswald convert his people to Christianity; an endeavor which proved successful. The king was ultimately killed in battle with the Mercians around the age of 38 in 642 A.D. Healing miracles have been attributed to the battle site where Oswald was killed known as Oswestry (in England near the Welsh border). King Oswald was martyred and came to be regarded as a saint (his Feast Day is August 5, the day he died). His actions in life are remembered to be pious and saintly despite his tradition as a Germanic warrior-king. Perhaps his name’s etymology is no accident: “God’s rule; divinely powerful”. Oswald’s cult was so popular in Britain it actually managed to spread to mainland Europe in medieval times. This may have been what prompted the usage of Osvaldo among Italians, Spanish and Portuguese. However, all three of these countries have a long history of Germanic occupation. For instance, any number of Germanic tribes (the Franks, the Visigoths, the Vandals) could have introduced Oswald to these southern Europeans.
All About the Baby Name – Osvaldo
Personality
OF THE BOY NAME OSVALDO
The number Seven personality is deeply mystical and highly in tune with their spirituality. They operate on a different wavelength than the average joe. Spending time alone comes easily to Sevens, as it gives them time to contemplate philosophical, religious and spiritual ideas in an effort to find "real truth". Sevens are wise, but often exude mystery as if they are tapped into something the rest of us don't understand. They love the outdoors and are fed by nature. Sevens are constantly seeking to understand human nature, our place in the universe, and the mystery of life in general. This makes them quite artistic and poetic, but they are also keen observers with high intellect - so they are equally scientific-minded. Sevens are charitable and care deeply about the human condition.
Popularity
OF THE BOY NAME OSVALDO
The last time the English form of this name, Oswald, made an appearance on the U.S. boy’s naming charts was in 1933. Obviously this tells us that old Oswald has retires to the Land of the Forgotten. Osvaldo, however, remains in circulation here in America as influenced by the Hispanic-American population. Compared to other Spanish male names, Osvaldo has a shorter history on the American male naming charts. The name appeared on the charts sporadically in the 1960s but really didn’t stick until the early 70s. Osvaldo got as high as position #410 on the Top 1000 list in 2004 and now seems to be retreating backwards. Osvaldo is an unusual and somewhat uncommon masculine name even for Spanish speakers (the name isn’t ranked in other Spanish-speaking countries). Yet this is precisely what we find so charming about Osvaldo – his originality. We like the ancient Germanic nature of this name plus the etymological meaning (divine rule). It’s a cool name that hearkens to glory days gone past.
Quick Facts
ON OSVALDO
GENDER:
Boy
ORIGIN:
Italian
NUMBER OF SYLLABLES:
3
RANKING POPULARITY:
959
PRONUNCIATION:
ahz-VOL-do; ahz-WOL-do
SIMPLE MEANING:
God's rule; divine power
Characteristics
OF OSVALDO
