Olson

♂ Boy

Olson Pronunciation

Olson is pronounced OHL-sən /ˈoʊl.sən/High

Meaning: Scandinavian patronymic surname, 'son of Ole' — Ole descending from Olaf, 'ancestor's descendant'High

In 30 seconds: A Minnesota handshake of a name: Olson — 'son of Ole' — turns the upper Midwest's favorite surname into a first name with lutefisk-supper warmth and Viking paperwork.

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Origin HighScandinavian

MeaningScandinavian patronymic surname, 'son of Ole' — Ole descending from Olaf, 'ancestor's descendant'

U.S. rank (2024)#3307 ↗ Rising

2024 U.S. births36 boys (0.00% of U.S. boys)

Peak year2024

Total births (all-time)≈ 313

Popularity in the U.S. · SSA data

U.S. births per year (Social Security Administration, 1880–present). Pink marker = peak year.

History & Origin

Olson is the Scandinavian-American patronymic 'son of Ole', Ole being the homely Norwegian form of Olaf — Old Norse Anleifr, 'ancestor's descendant', a sainted king's name. Emigration stamped Olson across the upper Midwest, where it remains shorthand for Norwegian-American heritage.

As a first name it joins the surname-name current with regional pride attached. It is very rare — a name that brings a casserole and shovels your driveway.

Did you know? Olaf, the ancestor inside Olson, means roughly 'descendant of the ancestor' — making Olson, technically, the son of the descendant of the ancestor. Genealogy's favorite riddle.

Overall data confidence 88%

Dictionary of American Family Names — Olson — patronymic origin

Variations

OlsenOhlson

Nicknames

OleSonny

Famous Bearers

Famous bearers coming soon.

If you like Olson…

Anders— a fellow Scandinavian staple crossing to first-name use

Nelson— the rhyming patronymic with its own first-name history

Lars— the compact Nordic classic companion

Soren— the Danish favorite rising in America

→ See all names like Olson

Browse the whole category: All Scandinavian names → · All origins →

Frequently Asked

How do you pronounce Olson?

Olson is pronounced OHL-sən (/ˈoʊl.sən/). Press play above to hear Olson said aloud.

How do you say Olson?

Olson is said OHL-sən (/ˈoʊl.sən/). Press play above to hear Olson said aloud.

What does the name Olson mean?

Olson is a Scandinavian patronymic meaning 'son of Ole', Ole descending from Olaf.

Is Olson a boy or girl name?

Olson is a boy's name.

How popular is Olson?

Olson is a very rare first name in the U.S.