Origin & Meaning of the Olsen Surname
What does the last name Olsen mean?
The surname Olsen carries the meaning "Son of Ol." 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 59,356 bearers in the 2010 US Census, Olsen ranks as the #566 most common surname in the United States.
Where does the surname Olsen come from?
The Olsen 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 Olsen name far beyond its original homeland.
Language of Origin
The linguistic roots of Olsen 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 | Olsen |
|---|---|
| Meaning | Son of Ol |
| Origin | Scandinavian |
| Language | Old Norse |
| US Rank (2010) | #566 |
| US Count (2010) | 59,356 |
| Per 100K People | 20.12 |
| First Letter | O |
Ethnic Distribution of Olsen
According to the US Census, the Olsen surname is distributed across the following ethnic groups. This data reflects self-reported ethnicity among 59,356 Americans with the Olsen last name.
| Ethnicity | Percentage |
|---|---|
| White | 93.69% |
| Black | 0.34% |
| Hispanic | 2.65% |
| Asian/Pacific Islander | 0.77% |
| Native American | 0.76% |
| Two or More Races | 1.79% |
Popularity of Olsen Over Time
Comparing US Census data from 2000 and 2010 shows how the Olsen surname has changed in prevalence.
The number of Americans with the Olsen surname increased by 1,999 between 2000 and 2010.
Discover Your Olsen Ancestry
Uncover your family's history with a DNA test. Learn where your Olsen ancestors came from and connect with relatives worldwide.
Affiliate links — we may earn a commission at no extra cost to you.
Similar Surnames to Olsen
These surnames share similar popularity, spelling, or cultural background with Olsen.
Other Scandinavian Surnames
Explore more surnames with Scandinavian roots. There are 162,254 surnames in our database — here are some that share the same Scandinavian origin as Olsen.
Frequently Asked Questions About Olsen
Related Searches
People searching for information about the Olsen surname also look for: