Rising since 2002, #3,658 for boys today.
Popularity of Olson since 1927
Babies named Olson per year in U.S. Social Security records.
Data table (by decade)
| Decade | Boys |
|---|---|
| 1920s | 6 |
| 1930s | 8 |
| 1940s | 12 |
| 1950s | 24 |
| 1960s | 11 |
| 1970s | 0 |
| 1980s | 5 |
| 1990s | 5 |
| 2000s | 16 |
| 2010s | 114 |
| 2020s | 142 |
Meaning & origin
Olson is a Scandinavian patronymic that has found modest use as a first name in the United States. First recorded as a given name in 1927, it has remained rare, but its trajectory has been rising since 2002, reaching its peak rank of 3,658 in 2025, a clear sign of growing interest. Though not among the top 1,000 names, its 1-in-56,936 birth rate in 2025 makes it a distinctive choice. The name carries a strong Nordic heritage, echoing the style of other surname-names like Anderson and Jensen. Given that top states were not recorded for Olson, its use appears to be scattered across the country. The name's rise in the 2020s aligns with a broader appreciation for cultural names and may continue to climb as parents seek unique yet meaningful options.
Olson is a patronymic surname meaning 'son of Ole' or 'son of Olaf', reflecting the Old Norse name Óláfr, which itself derives from elements meaning 'ancestor' or 'forefather' plus 'descendant' or 'heir'. As a given name, it has been used sporadically in the United States since the early 20th century, often as a nod to Scandinavian heritage.
Nicknames & variants
Nicknames: Ollie, Sonny
Variants: Olsson, Oleson, Ohlson
Sibling names for Olson
Names that share Olson's style, for a brother or sister.
