Origin & Meaning of the Olesen Surname
What does the last name Olesen mean?
The surname Olesen carries the meaning "Son of Ole." It is derived from the Old Norse language and has been passed down through generations, reflecting the occupations, locations, or characteristics of early bearers of the name. With 1,988 bearers in the 2010 US Census, Olesen ranks as the #14,881 most common surname in the United States.
Where does the surname Olesen come from?
The Olesen surname has its roots in Scandinavian heritage. Names of Scandinavian origin often reflect the cultural, linguistic, and historical traditions of the communities where they first appeared. Over centuries, migration and cultural exchange have spread the Olesen name far beyond its original homeland.
Language of Origin
The linguistic roots of Olesen trace back to Old Norse. Understanding the original language helps decode the meaning and evolution of the name from its earliest recorded forms to the modern spelling used today.
Quick Facts
| Surname | Olesen |
|---|---|
| Meaning | Son of Ole |
| Origin | Scandinavian |
| Language | Old Norse |
| US Rank (2010) | #14,881 |
| US Count (2010) | 1,988 |
| Per 100K People | 0.67 |
| First Letter | O |
Ethnic Distribution of Olesen
According to the US Census, the Olesen surname is distributed across the following ethnic groups. This data reflects self-reported ethnicity among 1,988 Americans with the Olesen last name.
| Ethnicity | Percentage |
|---|---|
| White | 94.72% |
| Black | 0.35% |
| Hispanic | 2.82% |
| Asian/Pacific Islander | 0.25% |
| Native American | 0.6% |
| Two or More Races | 1.26% |
Popularity of Olesen Over Time
Comparing US Census data from 2000 and 2010 shows how the Olesen surname has changed in prevalence.
The number of Americans with the Olesen surname increased by 68 between 2000 and 2010.
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Frequently Asked Questions About Olesen
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