Ozell

Ozell is a name with somewhat obscure origins that has been in use in the United States since at least the early 20th century. It appears most frequently as a masculine name, though it has occasionally been used for females as well. The etymology is not definitively documented, but it may represent a variant of Oswald (an Anglo-Saxon name meaning 'divine power') or possibly derive from a surname. Another theory suggests it could be related to other 'Oz-' names like Osborn or Osbert. Ozell Sutton (1925-2015), a notable civil rights leader, brought some recognition to this uncommon name. Usage records show Ozell appearing consistently but infrequently throughout the 20th century. The name has a distinctive sound with the strong 'O' beginning and the crisp 'zell' ending, making it both traditional yet uncommon.

Pronounced oh-ZEL.

As of October 2026, Ozell ranked #7503 in US births in 1964 SSA, peaked at #992 in 1910.