Fun Facts About the Name Oceola
- 21 babies named Oceola: U.S. records list 21 babies given the name Oceola from 1880 through 2025.
What Does the Name Oceola Mean?
Oceola is a variant spelling of Osceola, a name from Creek (Mvskoke), a Muskogean language spoken in the southeastern United States. It comes from the Creek phrase Assi Yahola, made up of assi, meaning "black drink," and yahola, a term for a ceremonial crier or singer. The black drink was a ritual beverage brewed from yaupon holly, and the yahola was the official who sang or called out during its use. The name is commonly translated "Black Drink Singer" or "Black Drink Crier."
The spelling Oceola drops the s of Osceola. Both spellings refer to the same Creek name; Oceola is not a separate etymology. English translations vary because yahola is a ceremonial title rather than an everyday word.
Oceola Name History & Origins
The name is best known from Osceola (c. 1804 - 1838), a Seminole leader born Billy Powell, who was of Creek descent and led resistance to the removal of Seminoles from Florida during the Second Seminole War. His Creek name was written in English in several ways, including Osceola and Oceola. The shorter spelling Oceola appears in some historical records and in given-name use.
Behind the famous leader, the name belongs to Creek naming traditions tied to the black drink ceremony. It passed into English through contact with Creek and Seminole people in the southeastern United States. As a given name in English, Oceola is rare and is usually treated as a variant of Osceola. The related place name Osceola County, Florida, honors the Seminole leader.
How Popular is the Name Oceola?
Oceola has historically been an exceptionally rare given name in the United States, remaining well outside the national mainstream. It saw its highest recorded annual births in 1926. Its best rank was #3,570 in 1913.
U.S. name popularity from 1880-2025, based on SSA data. Rank shows how the name compares with other names - lower numbers mean greater popularity. Births shows how many babies received the name each year.
| Year | Rank | Births | % |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1931 | #4,805 | 5 | 0.0005% |
| 1928 | #5,246 | 5 | 0.0004% |
| 1926 | #4,700 | 6 | 0.0005% |
| 1913 | #3,570 | 5 | 0.0008% |
Name popularity over more than a century, based on Social Security Administration data. Gaps in the chart indicate years when the name does not appear in the published records.
Most Popular Girl Names That Start with O
How the Name Oceola Shapes Your Personality and Life?
You are patient, persevering and strong willed. You are a good student, absorbing knowledge easily and retaining it well. You are either a saint or a sinner. You tend to hold things inside and suffer in silence. You are frank, methodical and believe in law, system and order.
You find the best contentment in life when you own your own home and provide well for your family and loved ones. You have a great sense of responsibility and duty. You are comforting, appreciative and affectionate. Your obligation in life is to hold justice and truth, and if you follow the Law, you can find the great happiness and satisfaction.
✦ Oceola's Deeper Meaning & Tips for Parents Discover Oceola's symbolic numbers and practical tips for choosing a name that complements your child's birth date.