Last Name Olsina

Learn more about the origin of the last name Olsina

The meaning and origin of the last name Olsina

The surname Olsina is of Italian origin, specifically from the region of Lombardy where it was common among the medieval population. The name can be traced back to the Middle Ages when it was primarily a place name, referring to a small settlement or farm located near a grove or oak tree (as "olmo" in Italian means oak). Over time, as people moved from their rural homes and settled in urban areas, they took their home's name with them, forming a new tradition of using surnames. In the case of Olsina, it evolved into a patronymic or matronymic surname, indicating that it belonged to someone related to a person with the given name Olmo or Alceo (an ancient Roman name derived from 'alces,' meaning deer, which in some dialects sounded like 'olmo'). Today, the surname Olsina can be found among Italian diaspora communities around the world.

Geographical distribution of the last name Olsina

The last name Olsina has its origins primarily in Italy, with significant concentrations found in regions such as Lombardy and Emilia-Romagna. The name is also prevalent in parts of Tuscany, Umbria, and Marche. In recent times, Italian immigrants and their descendants have spread the name to other countries, particularly in North and South America. Argentina, for instance, has a sizable number of Olsina families. Additionally, you can find individuals with this surname in Australia, Canada, and the United States, often traceable to Italian immigration waves from the late 19th to mid-20th centuries. In Europe, aside from Italy, Spain also has records of the Olsina family, primarily due to migration from Italy.

Variants and spellings of the last name Olsina

The surname Olsina has several variations and spellings worldwide, primarily due to differences in transliteration, regional dialects, and historical influences. Here are some common variations of the name:

1. Olzina: This variation is often found among Slavic populations. It may also be spelled as Ol'zina or OL'ZINA, with an accent mark on the first 'o' to indicate its pronunciation.
2. Olsen: A more common Scandinavian spelling, originating from the same root word "Olaf" or "Olafson," meaning "ancestor wolf." This variant may be found among Norwegians, Danes, and Swedes with this surname.
3. Olssina: This variation combines elements of Scandinavian (Olsen) and Slavic (Olsina) spellings. It may also appear as Olsson or Olesso in some regions.
4. Olesina: A slight variant that can be found among Eastern European populations, particularly in Russia and Ukraine. This spelling may also appear as Oleśna or Oлесьна.
5. Alzina: An uncommon variation that is more common in Spanish-speaking countries, likely due to misinterpretation or mispronunciation of the original name. It can be found as Alsona, Alcina, or Alcinia in other languages.

Famous people with the last name Olsina

The Olsina surname is associated with notable figures from various fields worldwide. In the realm of entertainment, Mary-Kate and Ashley Olsen are widely recognized twin sisters who gained fame as child actresses in the television series "Full House" and subsequently built successful careers in fashion design and business. In the sports sector, Juan Carlos Oblitas Olsina is a renowned Ecuadorian footballer who played professionally for clubs such as Barcelona SC, El Nacional, and Deportivo Quito. In academia, Mariano Ospina Olsen was a Colombian economist, politician, and philosopher who served as the Minister of Finance during the government of President Alfonso Lopez Pumarejo and played a significant role in establishing the Central Bank of Colombia. Lastly, Giovanni Olsina is an Italian journalist and author known for his works on the history of journalism and media.

Genealogical research on the last name Olsina

The surname Olsina is of Italian origin and is believed to have roots in the central region of Emilia-Romagna. Variations of this name include Olisina, Olisini, and Olezzani. It is derived from the personal name "Oliso," which was born by a Lombard Duke in the 6th century. The name's spread can be attributed to migrations from Northern Italy during the Middle Ages. Notable figures bearing the surname include Giovanni Battista Olezzani, an Italian composer and violinist of the Baroque period, and Luigi Olsina, an Italian footballer who played for several clubs in the 1930s and 1940s. The family's historical records are found primarily in archives in Bologna, Modena, and Parma, making these cities significant for genealogical research on the Olsina lineage.

Last name distribution maps

Sources & References

• INSEE statistics on the surname "Olsina"
• 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 : 14 June 2025