Origin & Meaning of the Olson Surname
What does the last name Olson mean?
The surname Olson carries the meaning "Son of Ol." It is derived from the Old English language and has been passed down through generations, reflecting the occupations, locations, or characteristics of early bearers of the name. With 164,035 bearers in the 2010 US Census, Olson ranks as the #157 most common surname in the United States.
Where does the surname Olson come from?
The Olson surname has its roots in English heritage. Names of English 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 Olson name far beyond its original homeland.
Language of Origin
The linguistic roots of Olson trace back to Old English. 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 | Olson |
|---|---|
| Meaning | Son of Ol |
| Origin | English |
| Language | Old English |
| US Rank (2010) | #157 |
| US Count (2010) | 164,035 |
| Per 100K People | 55.61 |
| First Letter | O |
Ethnic Distribution of Olson
According to the US Census, the Olson surname is distributed across the following ethnic groups. This data reflects self-reported ethnicity among 164,035 Americans with the Olson last name.
| Ethnicity | Percentage |
|---|---|
| White | 94.76% |
| Black | 0.4% |
| Hispanic | 2.03% |
| Asian/Pacific Islander | 0.66% |
| Native American | 0.72% |
| Two or More Races | 1.43% |
Popularity of Olson Over Time
Comparing US Census data from 2000 and 2010 shows how the Olson surname has changed in prevalence.
The number of Americans with the Olson surname increased by 533 between 2000 and 2010.
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Other English Surnames
Explore more surnames with English roots. There are 162,254 surnames in our database — here are some that share the same English origin as Olson.
Frequently Asked Questions About Olson
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