Wotan Name Meaning & Details
Origin, Popularity, Numerology Analysis & Name Meaning of Wotan
Discover the origin, meaning, and cultural significance of the name WOTAN. Delve into its historical roots and explore the lasting impact it has had on communities and traditions.
Name
Wotan
Gender
Male
Origin
German
Lucky Number
1
Meaning of the Name
Wotan is the name of the chief god in Germanic mythology, associated with wisdom, war, and magic. The name embodies power, leadership, and the pursuit of knowledge through sacrifice.
Complete Numerology Analysis
Your Numerology Number
Based on Pythagorean Numerology System
Ruling Planet
Sun
Positive Nature
Leaders, ambitious, highly driven, self-reliant, innovative.
Negative Traits
Overly aggressive, domineering, impatient, selfish.
Lucky Colours
Red, orange, gold.
Lucky Days
Sunday.
Lucky Stones
Ruby, garnet.
Harmony Numbers
2, 3, 9.
Best Suited Professions
Entrepreneurs, managers, engineers.
What People Like About You
Courage, determination, leadership.
Famous People Named Wotan
Wotan Wilke Möhring
Actor
German actor known for roles in 'The Wave' and 'The Baader Meinhof Complex'
Wotan (Historical Figure)
Mythological Figure
Primary deity in Germanic mythology, precursor to Norse Odin
Wotan (Operatic Character)
Fictional Character
Central character in Richard Wagner's 'Der Ring des Nibelungen' opera cycle
Name Variations & International Equivalents
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Cultural & Historical Significance
The name Wotan specifically identifies the southern Germanic manifestation of this deity, distinct from the Norse Odin though sharing the same mythological roots. During the Migration Period and early Middle Ages, Wotan was central to continental Germanic religious practices, with Wednesday (Wotan's Day) named in his honor. The Christianization of Germanic peoples transformed Wotan from a living deity into a legendary figure, yet his cultural impact persisted through folklore, place names, and later artistic reinterpretations like Wagner's operas.
Wotan's enduring cultural significance lies in his representation of Germanic identity and spiritual heritage. His complex character—simultaneously wise and warlike, creative and destructive—mirrors the dualities in human nature and leadership. The name continues to evoke powerful connections to pre-Christian European traditions while adapting to modern cultural contexts through literature, music, and contemporary pagan movements.
Extended Personality Analysis
Individuals named Wotan are typically perceived as possessing strong leadership qualities, intellectual depth, and strategic thinking abilities. They often exhibit a commanding presence combined with a thirst for knowledge and understanding, reflecting the mythological Wotan's sacrifice of an eye for wisdom. These personalities tend to be complex, balancing fierce determination with creative insight and a certain mystical quality that draws others to them.
Common traits include exceptional problem-solving skills, a tendency toward introspection, and the ability to inspire loyalty in others. Like their namesake, they may demonstrate both the warrior's courage and the scholar's curiosity, often pursuing unconventional paths to achieve their goals. Their personality often combines authority with wisdom, making them natural leaders who value both action and contemplation in equal measure.
The mythological associations also suggest individuals who are willing to make significant sacrifices for greater knowledge or achievement. They may display a certain intensity in their pursuits and relationships, coupled with a deep sense of responsibility toward those they lead or protect. The name implies a person of substantial character—someone who commands respect through both strength of will and depth of understanding, often serving as a guide or mentor figure in their social and professional circles.
Modern Usage & Popularity
In contemporary times, Wotan remains an uncommon but culturally significant given name, primarily used in German-speaking regions by parents seeking to honor Germanic heritage or mythological traditions. The name experiences occasional revivals during periods of renewed interest in pre-Christian European spirituality and Norse/Germanic paganism. While never achieving mainstream popularity, it maintains a steady presence among families valuing historical and mythological connections, often chosen by those with interests in Germanic studies, opera, or neopagan movements. The name's usage reflects a deliberate choice rather than following naming trends, typically selected by parents who appreciate its powerful mythological associations and distinctive sound. Its rarity ensures that bearers of the name stand out, often carrying the weight of its historical significance throughout their lives.
Symbolic & Spiritual Meanings
Wotan symbolizes the ultimate synthesis of wisdom and power, representing the eternal human quest for knowledge despite necessary sacrifices. The name embodies the concept of sovereignty over multiple domains—war, poetry, magic, and death—suggesting a personality capable of navigating diverse challenges and perspectives. Symbolically, Wotan represents the transformative power of sacrifice for greater understanding, the interconnection between leadership and responsibility, and the balance between destructive and creative forces in human experience. The name carries connotations of mystical insight, strategic brilliance, and the willingness to pay personal costs for cosmic awareness or significant achievement. It evokes the archetype of the wise ruler who understands that true power comes from knowledge rather than mere force, and that leadership requires both the capacity for decisive action and the wisdom to guide it properly.