Last Name Odegaard

The surname Odegaard is of Norwegian origin. It derives from the Old Norse language and can be translated as "God's yard" or "God's enclosure." This name would have originally been a byname, used to identify someone who lived in or near a piece of land owned by a person named Godi, which was then passed down through generations.

Learn more about the origin of the last name Odegaard

The meaning and origin of the last name Odegaard

The surname Odegaard is of Norwegian origin. It is derived from the Old Norse name "Ágirðr," which means "spear-enclosure" or "defender of the fort." Over time, this female name was used as a byname for men in Norway, and it evolved into various forms, including Odegaard, Odgaard, and Aadgaard. The name spread across Norway and later to other Scandinavian countries with the Viking invasions and settlements. As Scandinavians migrated throughout Europe and the world, the surname Odegaard was adopted by many families in various regions, preserving its Norwegian roots while adapting to new cultures and languages.

Geographical distribution of the last name Odegaard

The surname Odegaard is predominantly found in Norway and is of Norwegian origin. It is most concentrated in the coastal regions, particularly Møre og Romsdal and Rogaland counties. Additionally, significant numbers of individuals with the last name Odegaard can be found in the larger cities such as Bergen and Stavanger, which are located in these counties. The name has also spread to other Scandinavian countries like Sweden, Denmark, and Iceland due to historical events, migration, and cultural ties between Norway and its neighboring nations. A small percentage of Odegaard descendants can be found in the United States, primarily in the Pacific Northwest and the Midwest, where Norwegian immigrants settled during the late 19th and early 20th centuries.

Variants and spellings of the last name Odegaard

The surname Odegaard can be found with several variations and spellings due to differences in transcription and regional pronunciation. Some common variants include: Odgaard, Odgeard, Odegård (Norwegian), Odgaardt, Odegarde, Odgårdshaug, Odegårdshaug, Odegårdsholm, and Odegårdsholmen. These variations are primarily found among people of Norwegian descent. It is important to note that while these spellings may appear different, they are generally considered variations of the same surname, as they share a common root in Old Norse or Norwegian words.

Famous people with the last name Odegaard

Erling Braut Håland and Martin Ødegaard are two notable figures who share the surname Odegaard. Both hail from Norway, demonstrating their country's rich talent pool in sports. Erling Braut Håland, often referred to simply as Erling Haaland, is a professional footballer currently playing for Borussia Dortmund. He gained international attention for his prolific goal-scoring ability, breaking numerous records in the UEFA Champions League during his debut season with the club. Martin Ødegaard, on the other hand, is also a professional footballer, most recently playing for Real Madrid and the Norway national team. He made history as the youngest player ever to feature in a Norwegian top-flight match when he debuted at just 15 years old. Both athletes have achieved significant success and continue to make their mark on the global sports scene.

Genealogical research on the last name Odegaard

The surname Odegaard is Norwegian in origin, stemming from ancient Scandinavian settlements. Its etymology can be traced back to the Old Norse "Óðinnsgardr," meaning "Odin's enclosure" or "yard." This name was often given to children born under the influence of the Norse god Odin, believed to bestow wisdom and poetry upon his followers.

The first recorded instances of the surname Odegaard appear in Norway during the Middle Ages, particularly in rural areas such as Telemark and Viken. Over time, the name spread to other regions and countries due to migration and the Viking Age explorations. In North America, the earliest known Odegaard immigrant was Johan Christian Odegaard, who settled in Wisconsin in 1857.

Throughout history, notable individuals with the surname Odegaard have made significant contributions in various fields. For instance, Knut Odegaard (1892-1960) was a renowned Norwegian composer and conductor, while Kjetil Odegaard (b. 1974) is a celebrated contemporary artist from Norway. The genealogical records of the Odegaard family reveal a rich tapestry of Scandinavian heritage and global dispersal.

Last name distribution maps

Sources & References

• INSEE statistics on the surname "Odegaard"
• Global distribution of the surname on Forebears.io
• Wikipedia Article

About the author :

NomOrigine Team
Passionate about genealogy, name history, and linguistics, we have been analyzing the origins of names for over 3 years. Our content is based on verified historical, etymological, and statistical data.
Last updated : 11 June 2025

Share the origin of your last name with your friends