Last Name Ols

The surname Ols is of Old Norse origin. It is derived from the male given name "Ólafur," which means "ancestor wolf" in Old Norse. This name was very popular among Scandinavians and was brought to various parts of Europe, including England, Ireland, and Scotland, by Viking settlers and invaders. Over time, the name evolved into its modern forms, such as Olson, Olsen, O'Loughlin (in Ireland), and others, depending on the country and region where it was adopted.

Learn more about the origin of the last name Ols

The meaning and origin of the last name Ols

The surname Ols is primarily found in Scandinavian countries such as Norway and Sweden. It is an abbreviated form of various names that end with "ol" or "son of Ol," where Ol is derived from the Old Norse name Ólafur, meaning "ancestor-wolf" or "heir of the wolf." This name was extremely popular in Scandinavia during the Viking Age and the Middle Ages due to Saint Olav, also known as King Olav II of Norway. He was a significant religious figure who was canonized and became the patron saint of Norway. The surname Ols serves as a testament to his influence and the popularity of the name Olafur in Scandinavia.

Geographical distribution of the last name Ols

The surname Ols is predominantly found in Scandinavian countries, particularly Norway and Denmark. It is a variant of Olsson, which is a patronymic derived from the Old Norse name "Óláfr" meaning "olive-tree raft" or "he who nourishes with an olive tree." In Norway, it is most common in the southern and western regions such as Rogaland, Vestfold, and Buskerud. In Denmark, it is common in Jutland, especially in the northern and western parts like North Jutland and Western Jutland. Additionally, due to migration, Ols can also be found among Scandinavian diaspora communities worldwide, particularly in the United States and Canada.

Variants and spellings of the last name Ols

The surname Ols has various spelling variations due to differences in transliteration, regional dialects, and changes over time. Some common variations include Olls, Olss, Ooley, Ooli, Oull, Oole, Oyle, Oile, Olle, Ooie, and Olie. These variations may originate from Scandinavian countries where the name is derived from the old Norse personal names Óláfr or Óleifr, meaning "heir of the ancestor" or "ancestor's descendant." The modern English form of this surname is typically spelled as Olsen (for male descendants) or Olson (for female descendants), while the Icelandic form remains unchanged as Olsen. Other variations, such as those listed above, may have arisen due to changes in pronunciation and spelling over time or from differences in regional dialects.

Famous people with the last name Ols

The Olsen family is renowned for its contributions to various fields, with members bearing the surname Olsen achieving prominence. Tia and Tamera Mowry-Housley, both actresses, are two notable figures. They gained fame for their roles in the TV series "Sister, Sister" during the 1990s. Elsewhere in entertainment, Mary-Kate and Ashley Olsen, twin sisters, also found success as child actors, particularly through the television series "Full House" and numerous movies produced under their Dualstar Entertainment Group. In the fashion world, Mary-Kate and Ashley are co-founders of luxury clothing lines such as The Row and Elizabeth and James. Lastly, Carly Rae Jepsen, a Canadian singer-songwriter, is also an Olsen, although her stage name does not reflect this. These individuals illustrate the diverse talents and achievements within the Olsen family.

Genealogical research on the last name Ols

The surname Ols is primarily associated with Scandinavian origins, particularly Norway and Denmark, where it derives from the Old Norse word "óla" meaning "olaf," a common given name in these regions. The spelling variants include Olson, Olsson, and Ollsen among others, reflecting regional dialects and immigration patterns. The name's recorded history dates back to medieval Scandinavia, with notable figures such as King Olaf II of Norway (995-1030) and Saint Olav, patron saint of Norway.

In the 19th century, significant migration waves from Scandinavia to North America led to a proliferation of the Ols surname in countries like the United States and Canada. The name is also found in Germany due to the influence of Scandinavian settlers during the Viking Age. Today, Ols remains common in Norway, Denmark, Sweden, and among their diaspora communities worldwide.

Last name distribution maps

Sources & References

• INSEE statistics on the surname "ols"
• 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 : 30 July 2025

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