Of English origin.
A form of the Anglo-Saxon name “Osweald”.
From the Old English elements “os”, meaning “god” and “weald”, meaning “power” or “ruler”.
Also associated with the Old Norse name “Ásvaldr”.
It was an almost extinct name during the Middle Ages and it was revived in the 19th century, still remains a rarely given name.
In the United States, the Hispanic form “Osvaldo” was more common, especially late in the 1960s.
Other forms of the name are Osvaldo, Ozzy, Oz, Ozzie, Waldo.
Famous bearers are Oswald Avery, Oswald Achenbach.