Orson
Meaning of Orson
The name Orson is a distinguished and classic choice for boys, originating from Old French. It means "bear cub," derived from the Latin word "ursus," which means bear. This strong and evocative name has been borne by notable figures such as Orson Welles, the legendary filmmaker and actor known for his groundbreaking work in cinema, including the iconic film "Citizen Kane." The pronunciation of Orson remains consistent across English-speaking regions, pronounced as AWR-suhn (/ɒrˈsən/ or /ɔrˈsən/). While not exceedingly common, Orson has maintained a steady presence in the United States over the years, with its popularity seeing slight fluctuations but consistently ranking within the top 10,000 names since records began. The name's unique charm and historical depth make it an appealing choice for parents seeking a name that exudes strength and timelessness. Variations of this name include Orsen, offering a subtle twist on this classic moniker.
Pronunciation
British English
- Pronunced as AWR-suhn (/ɒrˈsən/)
American English
- Pronunced as OR-suhn (/ɔrˈsən/)
U.S. Popularity Chart
States Popularity Chart
Notable People Named Orson
| George Orson Welles was an influential American actor and filmmaker known for his innovative work in film, radio, and theatre, and is considered one of the greatest filmmakers of all time. |
| Orson Scott Card is an acclaimed American writer, famous for his science fiction works such as Ender's Game and Speaker for the Dead, and the award-winning series The Tales of Alvin Maker. |
| Orson Pratt Sr. was an American religious leader, mathematician, and prominent figure in the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. |
| Orson Bean was a versatile American actor, game show host, and stage performer known for his frequent appearances on television game shows and The Tonight Show. |
| Orson Reed, also known as Orison, was an American farmer, Democratic politician, and Wisconsin pioneer who served in the Wisconsin Senate and State Assembly and as sheriff of Waukesha County. |
| Orson Ferguson Whitney was a prominent member of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. |
| Orson Squire Fowler was an American phrenologist and lecturer who popularized the octagon house in the mid-19th century. |
| Orson Byron Lowell (1871–1956) was a renowned American artist and illustrator known for his work on magazine covers and interiors. |
| Orson K. Miller Jr. - Orson Knapp Miller Jr. was an influential American mycologist known for his extensive contributions to the field, including the naming of various taxa and the description of several important fungal species. |
| Orson Leon Crandall was a United States Navy diver and a Medal of Honor recipient. |
| Orson Desaix Munn II (1883–1958) was a prominent editor and publisher of Scientific American magazine. |
