Oscar \o-scar, os-car\ as a boy's name is pronounced OS-ker. It is of Old English origin, and the meaning of Oscar is "spear of the gods". Also possibly from the Gaelic phrase "os cara", meaning "friend of the deer". James Macpherson used the name in his Ossianic poems. Napoleon, an admirer of those works, imposed it on his little French godson, who ascended the throne of Sweden as Oscar I (or Oskar I). Thus, this British name is now regarded as Scandinavian. The name was revived by 18th century literary use. In modern times, Oscar the Grouch is a character in "Sesame Street". Lyricist Oscar Hammerstein II; playwright Oscar Wilde; fashion designer Oscar de la Renta.