Ozark

Ozark relates to a highland region in the US that spreads across Missouri, Arkansas, Oklahoma, and Kansas. Made up of mountain ranges and plateaus, the area is commonly referred to as The Ozarks and The Ozark Highlands.

Also used as the name of various lakes, cities, and counties across the US, the exact etymology of the name is contested. One theory is that it comes from the French aux arcs meaning "at the arches", likely inspired by the natural bridges and arch-like landforms in the area. Alternatively, it may be an English shortening of the French aux Arcansas meaning "among the Arkansas", in which Arkansas refers to the Quapaw tribe.

Similar in sound to Ozias, Ozzy, Izaak, and Mark, it would make a distinctive yet approachable choice. In fact, it has seen some quiet "real-life" usage huntsman, fisherman, and writer Ozark Ripley and musician Ozark Henry have both chosen to go by the name.

Pronounced OH-zark.