Osman (name)

Osman is a masculine given name of Turkish and Arabic origin. It is derived from the Arabic name ʿUthmān (عُثْمَان), meaning "baby bustard" or "young serpent." It also carries connotations of "strength" and "power."

The name is most notably associated with Osman I, the founder and first ruler of the Ottoman Empire (c. 1299–1922/23). His reign marked the beginning of a dynasty that significantly impacted the history and culture of Southeastern Europe, the Middle East, and North Africa for centuries.

As a result of the Ottoman Empire's influence, the name Osman and its variations are common among populations with a historical connection to the Empire, including those in Turkey, the Balkans, and parts of the Arab world.

The name can be found spelled differently in various languages, reflecting the phonetic adaptations of ʿUthmān. Common variations include Ottoman, Uthman, and Othman.