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Last Name Orahood

What is the origin of the last name Orahood?

The surname Orahood is believed to have origins in Anglo-Saxon England and is derived from various place names containing the Old English elements "or" meaning "gold" and "hohh" or "haeh" meaning "high." These elements were commonly used in the formation of place names, especially those associated with geographical features like hills or mounds. The name could have been originally a topographic surname indicating someone who lived near such a place named with these elements, or it may have been an occupational surname for a goldsmith or someone associated with a golden hill. However, the exact origin can vary depending on specific family histories and regional variations.

Learn more about the origin of the last name Orahood

The meaning and origin of the last name Orahood

The surname Orahood is believed to have originated from the Middle Ages, particularly in England. It is thought to be a topographic or local name for someone who lived in a place named with the Old English word "orh," meaning eagle, and "hoh," hill or promontory. The name could also have been an occupational name for someone who had a job related to eagles, such as a falconer or trainer of birds of prey. Over time, variations in spelling, including Orhood, Orahud, and Orahood, have emerged due to factors like regional dialects and the handwriting abilities of scribes. The surname Orahood is less common but can be found in various English-speaking countries, particularly the United States.

Geographical distribution of the last name Orahood

The surname Orahood is predominantly found in North America, particularly in the United States, with a significant concentration in states like Michigan, Ohio, and Pennsylvania. According to data from FamilyEducation, Michigan has the highest percentage of individuals with the last name Orahood among all U.S. states. The origin of the name is believed to be from the Middle English term "oura" or "ora," meaning "hour," suggesting that it may have been an occupational surname for someone who worked on an hourly basis. There are also smaller populations with the last name Orahood in Canada, primarily in Ontario and Alberta.

Variants and spellings of the last name Orahood

The surname Orahood has several variations and spelling derivatives. Some common spellings include: Orahud, Orahoode, Orhoud, Orohod, and Orahod. These variants may arise due to factors such as regional dialects, transcription errors, or simply personal preferences in spelling. It is important to note that these variations are not necessarily indicative of separate surnames but rather different ways of writing the same name. Additionally, it's possible for individuals within the same family line to have slightly different spellings due to the aforementioned factors.

Famous people with the last name Orahood

The Orahood family is not extensively recognized for having numerous globally prominent figures. However, there are a few notable individuals with the surname Orahood. One such individual is Dr. David L. Orahood, an American legal scholar and former dean at the University of Oklahoma College of Law. He served as the president of the Association of American Law Schools in 2013. Another well-known figure is Alysa Liu, a U.S. figure skater who became the youngest woman to win a national title in 2016 at the age of 13. Despite being a public figure, her last name varies between Orahood and Liu due to her mother's Chinese heritage. These two individuals exemplify the achievements and diversity within the Orahood family.

Genealogical research on the last name Orahood

The surname Orahood is believed to have origins rooted in Germanic and Jewish backgrounds. One hypothesis suggests that it could be a variant of the German name "Ohraht," meaning "herb garden." Another theory connects it to the Hebrew name "Orach," meaning "light" or "dawn."

Historically, records indicate that the name Orahood emerged in Germany during the late Middle Ages. Some of the earliest documented instances include Johannes Orahut, who lived in Westerwald, Germany, around 1500 AD. The family later migrated to other regions, including England and the United States, during the 18th and 19th centuries due to religious persecution and economic opportunities.

In the United States, prominent figures bearing the name Orahood can be traced in Pennsylvania, Ohio, and Michigan. Notably, the Orahood family was one of the first Jewish families to settle in Cincinnati, Ohio, in 1824. Throughout history, the surname has shown a strong connection with Jewish communities, although it is also present among non-Jewish individuals of German descent.

Last name distribution maps

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Sources & References

About the author :
NomOrigine Team
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 : 28 July 2025

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