Pronunciation: [ˈɒtɪŋɡə] (IPA) 
The spelling of the word Ottinger can be explained through the International Phonetic Alphabet (IPA) as [ˈɑtɪŋɡər]. The first sound, [ɑ], is a low, back vowel sound. The second sound, [t], is a voiceless alveolar stop, followed by the vowel sound [ɪ]. The third sound, [ŋ], is a voiced velar nasal sound that is followed by the voiceless alveolar stop [g], and finally, the word ends with the sound [ə], which is a mid-central vowel sound.
Ottinger is a proper noun commonly used as a surname. It originates from the Germanic language family and is predominantly found in Germany and Austria.
As a surname, Ottinger typically indicates a person's ancestral connection to a location or settlement named Otting or an individual who originally belonged to the Oettingen noble family. Otting and Oettingen translate to "estate of Otto," suggesting a tie to a person named Otto or a place associated with Otto.
Historically, surnames were often adopted to distinguish distinct lineages and families within a community, with many linked to occupation, geographical location, or personal characteristics. Ottinger likely emerged as a hereditary surname over time as a means to identify individuals and their lineage, and it has been passed down through generations.
Today, the name Ottinger is carried by families across different regions, with individuals retaining their surname as a mark of their ancestry and heritage. While surnames do not have any inherent meaning, they serve as an important link to one's roots, family history, and cultural identity.
The surname "Ottinger" is of German origin. It is derived from the personal name "Otto", which is of Old High German origin meaning "wealth", "prosperity", or "fortune". The suffix "-er" indicates an occupational name, often used to denote someone who worked with or was associated with the root word. Therefore, "Ottinger" likely originally referred to someone associated with or employed by a person named Otto.
