Orson

“Bear cub” — Old French origin

Boy's name · #1433 in the US (2025) · 2020s

Orson reached its best rank, #549, in 1883 and ranked #1433 in 2025. Roughly 2,700 boys have been named Orson since 1880.

Around the world: about 1 in 2,500 boys in England & Wales (2025) · about 1 in 3,900 boys in Scotland (2025) · about 1 in 7,200 boys in Canada (2024).

Appears in 2020-2025 birth records of 15 states. See the full state-by-state map on this page.

Famous Orsons

Orson Welles — American actor and filmmaker (1915–1985)
Orson Scott Card — American science fiction novelist (born 1951)
Orson Bean — American actor (1928–2020)
Orson Pratt — Apostle of the LDS Church (1811–1881)
Orson Hyde — American Mormon leader (1805-1878)

In stories & tradition

Orson Hodge — Desperate Housewives
Orson Krennic — Rogue One: A Star Wars Story · Star Wars Battlefront
Orson the Polar Bear — fictional bear

What Orsons become

Among 34 notable people named Orson:

Political leaders appear 2.48× more often than among typical names — e.g. Orson James Phelps, politician (1820-1897).

Similar names: Loyal · Orin · Link · Caison · Lyon · Gentry

Browse more boy names — popularity, trends and eras for 5,700+ American names, free.

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