The surname "Oden" has origins that can be traced back to several European countries. In Scandinavia, it is derived from Old Norse given names such as Áðalsteinn Óðinsson or Óðvarr, which are related to the Norse god Odin.
In England and Scotland, the surname Oden may have been a nickname for someone who was considered wise or had characteristics associated with the Old English word "oda" meaning spirit or god. It could also be a topographic name for someone who lived in a valley or dell.
However, it's important to note that last names can have multiple origins and meanings depending on different historical periods and geographical locations. Genealogical research is essential to confirm the specific origin of a particular Oden family.
Learn more about the origin of the last name Oden
The meaning and origin of the last name Oden
The surname Oden is an Anglicized form of several European names with various origins. One possible source is the Old Norse name Ásdísar Óðinsson or Oðinsdóttir, which means "descendant of Óðinn" in Old Norse, where Óðinn (Odin) was the chief god in Norse mythology. The Normans, who were of Scandinavian descent, brought this name to England after the Conquest in 1066, and it has been passed down through generations ever since. Over time, it became anglicized into various spellings such as Oden, Odens, or O'Denn. Another origin theory suggests that the surname Oden could have arisen from a medieval personal name Odun, derived from Old English ōd 'wealth' and hneor 'grain.' However, this remains unverified. The distribution of the surname indicates it is most common in regions with Scandinavian influence, including England, Ireland, Scotland, and North America.
Geographical distribution of the last name Oden
The surname Oden is predominantly found in Scandinavian countries, particularly in Sweden and Norway, where it originated from the Old Norse personal name 'Óðr' or 'Ágirr', meaning "God" or "Storm." Significant concentrations of the family name can also be traced in other parts of Scandinavia such as Denmark and Iceland. In the United States, the Oden family is primarily found in the Midwest and Northwest regions, with larger populations in Minnesota, Wisconsin, Washington, and Oregon, likely due to immigration from Scandinavia during the late 19th and early 20th centuries. The surname Oden can also be found in Canada, Australia, and New Zealand, reflecting the global dispersal of Scandinavian immigrants over time.
Variants and spellings of the last name Oden
The surname Oden has multiple variations and spellings. The most common forms include: O'Dane, O'Dayn, and O'Dain, which are anglicized versions of Irish Gaelic names derived from the word "odhar," meaning brown or tan-colored. Another variation is Odean, which could also be a shortened form of a Germanic name such as Otto-Theodoric or Eberhard. Other spellings include Odin (from Norse mythology), Ouden, and Odene. The name has been found in various countries, including the United States, Canada, Australia, and the United Kingdom, reflecting its diverse origins and history.
Famous people with the last name Oden
Shaquille O'Neal, also known as Shaq, is arguably the most well-known individual with the surname Oden. A legendary basketball player, he played for teams including the Orlando Magic, Los Angeles Lakers, Miami Heat, Phoenix Suns, Boston Celtics, Cleveland Cavaliers, and the Shanghai Sharks in China. He won NBA championships with the Lakers in 2000 and 2002, was a four-time NBA All-Star, and was awarded NBA Most Valuable Player (MVP) in 2000. Apart from his basketball career, O'Neal has also pursued an acting and music career.
In addition to Shaq, Bill Russell, another renowned figure with the surname Oden, made a significant impact on basketball history. As a center for the Boston Celtics, he led the team to 11 NBA championships in 13 years from 1957-1969, setting numerous records. Russell was named an All-Star 12 times and won five MVP awards. His impact on the sport extends beyond his playing career as a coach and social activist.
Genealogical research on the last name Oden
The surname Oden is of Old Norse origin, derived from the given name Óddr, which means "wealth" or "prosperity." This name was brought to England by Viking invaders in the late 9th and 10th centuries. The earliest known record of the last name Oden in England dates back to the Domesday Book compiled in 1086, where it appears as Odan.
Over time, variations such as Auden, O'Donnelly, and O'Day emerged, reflecting changes in language, regional dialects, and cultural assimilation. The name spread across Europe, with significant populations found in Sweden, Norway, Denmark, and Iceland. In the United States, records from the 17th century show the arrival of Oden families in Virginia and Massachusetts.
Notable figures with the surname Oden include James B. Oden, a U.S. Senator from Missouri, and Bertil Oden, a Swedish chess master and international arbiter. Genealogical research suggests that descendants of the Oden family can be found in many parts of the world today.
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 :
Share the origin of your last name with your friends
The last name "Ode" has origins in multiple countries.
1. Germany: In Germany, the name "Ode" is derived from the Middle High German word "ot," meaning "possession" or "estate." ...
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...
The surname Odekerken is of Dutch origin. It is derived from a place name, which is common in the Netherlands. In this case, the name likely refers to a person who originally lived...
The surname "Odelmo" has its origin in Italy. It is believed to be derived from the personal name Odobald, which combines the ancient Germanic elements "od", meaning wealth or fort...
The last name "Odemba" is of African origin, specifically from the Swahili language. It is derived from the word "odemba," which means "chief" or "leader" in Swahili.
The surname "Odengalath" has South Indian origins, particularly from the state of Kerala. It is likely derived from the place name "Odengal" or a similar geographic or historical r...
The surname Odent is of French origin and comes from various places with that name in France. It may have different meanings depending on the specific location. For instance, "Oden...
The surname Oder is of Old German origin. It is derived from a variety of sources, including topographic names for someone who lived by a river or stream named Odra, a hydrographic...
The surname Oderigo is of Italian origin. It is believed to be derived from the given name "Ulderico" or "Olderico", which itself is a variant of the Germanic name "Ulrich", meanin...
I'm sorry, but "odeus" does not appear to be a common last name with a well-known origin. It is possible that it is a rare or unique surname, or it may have regional origins that a...
