Last Name Odin

The surname Odin is of Old Norse origin. In Norse mythology, Odin (also known as Wodan and Wotan) was one of the chief gods, associated with wisdom, war, death, divination, poetry, magic, and the runic alphabet. Surnames derived from personal names were developed as a way to differentiate individuals within communities, often taking the form of patronymics (sons of) or metronymics (daughters of). It is possible that some people with the surname Odin may have originated from Scandinavia, where Norse mythology was prevalent. However, it's important to note that surnames can also be adopted by individuals who are not necessarily of direct descent but who wish to express their cultural or ethnic identity.

Learn more about the origin of the last name Odin

The meaning and origin of the last name Odin

The surname Odin is of Old Norse origin, derived from the name of the principal god in Norse mythology - Odin (also spelled Wodan, Woden, or Wuotan). In Norse mythology, Odin was the god of wisdom, war, poetry, and the dead. He was revered as the leader of the gods and was known for his magical spear Gungnir, his eight-legged horse Sleipnir, and his raven companions Hugin and Munin. The name Odin is thought to be derived from an older Proto-Germanic *Wōđanaz, meaning "the frenzied one." The use of this ancient god's name as a surname likely originated among the Norse people, who migrated to Scandinavia and later Britain and Ireland. Over time, the spelling and pronunciation of Odin have evolved in various languages and dialects, resulting in different forms of the surname found across Europe today.

Geographical distribution of the last name Odin

The surname Odin is predominantly found in Scandinavian countries, particularly Norway and Denmark, where it originates from ancient Norse mythology. The name is associated with the god Odin, the chief deity among the Norse gods. The highest concentration of people bearing the last name Odin can be found in these regions today. However, due to migration and diaspora, variations of the surname have spread around the world. For instance, a significant number of Odins are also found in the United States, Canada, Australia, and New Zealand, among other countries. Variations like Oden, Odinsson, and Odeen can be encountered globally, reflecting the name's historical significance and its adoption into various cultures.

Variants and spellings of the last name Odin

The surname Odin has multiple variations and spellings due to differences in transliteration and regional pronunciations. Some common variations include O'Din, O'Donnell, O'Dowd, and O'Dunlaing, which are Irish derivatives of the name. In Scotland, it is often spelled as MacDonnachie, MacDhomhnaill, or MacDonald. The name can also be found as Odinsson, Odinson, or Odinsdottir in Norse mythology, reflecting its Viking origins. In English-speaking countries, it may appear as O'Dea, O'Day, or simply Odin, with no prefix. These variations highlight the widespread influence and adaptation of the name throughout history and across cultures.

Famous people with the last name Odin

Odin is a name associated with notable individuals from various fields, primarily due to its Norse mythology origins and subsequent cultural influence. The most renowned person bearing this surname is likely Loni Love, an American comedian, actress, and television host, who gained prominence as a regular panelist on the daytime talk show "The Real" and as the host of "Chelsea Lately." Another well-known Odin is the Norwegian-American actor Eric Odin, recognized for his roles in films such as "The Hateful Eight," "Fargo," and "Inglourious Basterds." In the world of literature, there's Thomas R. Odin, a Swedish author who has penned several popular science fiction novels. Lastly, Mats Odin, a Swedish Olympic gold medalist in fencing, is another noteworthy figure associated with the name Odin. Each of these individuals has made significant contributions to their respective fields and upheld the esteemed reputation of the Odin name.

Genealogical research on the last name Odin

The surname Odin is of Old Norse origin, derived from the name of the chief god in Norse mythology. Historically, it was predominantly found among Scandinavian populations, particularly Norway and Sweden. In the Middle Ages, many people with this name may have immigrated to England, Scotland, Iceland, and other regions as Viking explorers or settlers. The first recorded spelling of the surname Odin appears in Norse records from the 12th century. Over time, variations in the spelling of the name arose due to factors such as transliteration, language changes, and the influence of other languages. These variants include Odeen, Odhin, and Odyn. The family lineage of Odin is deeply rooted in Norse history and mythology, with many branches extending across Scandinavia and beyond due to migrations and diasporas over centuries.

Last name distribution maps

Sources & References

• INSEE statistics on the surname "Odin"
• 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

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