Olson Last Name Origin, History, and Meaning
Where did the surname Olson come from? What does the surname Olson mean? Discover the history and meaning of the last name Olson and family migration on YourRoots Map.
Surname Olson Origin: What does the last name Olson mean?
The surname Olson, also spelled as Olsson, Oleson, or Olsen, is a common patronymic surname of Scandinavian origin. It literally means "son of Olaf or Ole." YourRoots data indicates that the Olson surname first appeared in records from Norway in the early 16th century. It remained closely associated with Norway in the 16th and 17th centuries before spreading to the United States in the 18th century. The volume of Olson family records grew significantly in the United States by the 18th century, surpassing Norway, and continuing to be prominent into the 20th century. Today, the Olson surname remains prevalent in the United States and has roots in Norway, with a presence in various countries.
YourRoots data confirms the presence of the Smith surname in the United Kingdom since the early 10th century, with a steady expansion between the 10th and 15th centuries. By the 16th and 17th centuries, the Smith surname had spread extensively worldwide, particularly establishing itself strongly in the United States. YourRoots records reveal the Smith surname in countries such as India, Spain, Argentina, Germany, Ireland, France, and Nigeria, showcasing its global reach. This enduring surname reflects a rich heritage of skilled metalwork and continues to have a significant presence across various regions and cultures in the modern era.
Olson Last Name History: Where did the last name Olson come from?
Origin of Olson Surname: Where does the last name Olson originate from?
According to YourRoots data, the surname Olson first appeared in records from Norway around the early 16th century. Please note that this reflects only YourRoots data for the exact “Olson” spelling and does not include other record sources or surname variations.
History of the Last Name Olson: What does the Olson surname history look like in the early days?
The “Olson” surname remained closely associated with Norway from the 16th through the 17th century. YourRoots data also shows Olson family records in the United States, starting in the 18th century, indicating a move across the Atlantic during this time.
Global Spread: Where can we find the Olson surname today?
By the 18th century, the volume of records with the Olson surname grew significantly in the United States. By the early 19th century, it had surpassed Norway, a trend that continued into the 20th century. The “Olson” surname remains prominent in the United States and has roots in Norway. It appears in many countries, including the United States and Norway, among others.
Explore Olson last name heritage and Olson surname origin based on YourRoots Map data

Famous People With Olson Surame?
Kaitlin Olson
Kaitlin Willow Olson McElhenney (born Aug 18, 1975) is an American actress known for her roles in popular TV series like "It's Always Sunny in Philadelphia," "The Mick," and "Hacks." She has also appeared in comedy films such as "The Heat," "Vacation," and "Finding Dory." Olson's versatile talent has earned her critical acclaim and multiple Emmy nominations. With a background in theater and comedy, she has established herself as a prominent figure in the entertainment industry.
Matt Olson
Matthew Kent Olson (born Mar 29, 1994) is a professional baseball first baseman for the Atlanta Braves. He previously played for the Oakland Athletics, winning multiple awards and accolades like Gold Glove and Silver Slugger. Olson excelled in high school, leading his team to championships, and was drafted by the Athletics in 2012. Known for his impressive defensive skills and powerful hitting, Olson's career highlights include a walk-off grand slam and participation in the MLB All-Star Game and Home Run Derby. His success on and off the field has made him a standout player in Major League Baseball.
Lute Olson
Robert Luther "Lute" Olson (Sep 22, 1934 – Aug 27, 2020) was a legendary American basketball coach known for his successful tenure with the Arizona Wildcats men's team. Inducted into the Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame, Olson's player development and recruiting skills produced NBA stars. His coaching career spanned 35 years, including stints with the Iowa Hawkeyes and Long Beach State 49ers. After announcing his retirement in 2008, Olson passed away at the age of 85 in Tucson, Arizona. A pioneer in college basketball coaching, his legacy lives on through the many players he mentored and inspired.
Olivia Olson
Olivia Rose Olson (May 21, 1992 - ) is an American actress, singer-songwriter, and writer known for her voice roles as Vanessa Doofenshmirtz in *Phineas and Ferb* and Marceline the Vampire Queen in *Adventure Time*. She also appeared in the film *Love Actually* as Joanna, singing "All I Want for Christmas Is You". Olson has written for various projects, including graphic novels and the best-selling *Adventure Time Encyclopedia*. With a diverse career in acting, singing, and writing, Olson continues to make her mark in the entertainment industry.
Frank Olson
Frank Rudolph Emmanuel Olson (July 17, 1910 – November 28, 1953) was an American bacteriologist and biological warfare scientist who worked at Camp Detrick in Maryland. He was involved in secretive government projects, including the CIA's MKUltra program. Olson's mysterious death, initially labeled as suicide, has sparked conspiracy theories and allegations of murder. His work in bioweapons research and involvement in covert operations during the Cold War era have made him a subject of interest in historical and conspiracy circles.
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