Last Name Orloff

The last name Orloff is of Slavic origin and has roots in countries like Russia and Poland. The surname is derived from the Old Russian word "orl" which means "eagle," and the diminutive suffix "-off" or "-ovich." In some cases, it can also be spelled Orlow or Orolow. The name may have been given to someone who was considered bold, strong, or fearless, much like an eagle.

Learn more about the origin of the last name Orloff

The meaning and origin of the last name Orloff

The surname Orloff is of Slavic origin, specifically associated with Eastern Europe, particularly Russia and Poland. It derives from the Old Russian or Old Polish word "orl" which means "eagle", symbolizing strength, power, and nobility. Over time, it has been anglicized to Orlowski in some instances, reflecting its Slavic roots. The name likely originated among families who lived near a location marked by an eagle or were associated with the noble class due to their valor and leadership qualities, comparable to an eagle's majestic presence. As with many surnames, changes occurred over centuries as families migrated and adapted to different cultures, resulting in variations such as Orlowsky, Orlowitz, and Orlovsky. The name Orloff is now found worldwide, being particularly common among Ashkenazi Jewish communities of Eastern European descent.

Geographical distribution of the last name Orloff

The surname Orloff has its origins in Eastern Europe, primarily Russia and Poland. Historically, it is associated with Jewish communities in these regions due to its Ashkenazi Jewish origin. Over time, the family dispersed across various parts of Europe during migrations prompted by religious persecution and economic opportunities. The name is particularly common in countries like Israel (due to immigration after World War II), Russia, United States, Canada, and Germany. In the United States, Orloff concentrations are found predominantly in New York, with notable populations also in California, Florida, Illinois, and Texas. In Canada, Orloff families reside mainly in Ontario and Quebec. The name's global distribution reflects historical Jewish migration patterns and the assimilation of Jewish communities into various societies over centuries.

Variants and spellings of the last name Orloff

The surname Orloff has several variants and spellings, primarily due to translation errors and regional differences over time. Some common versions include:

* Oerluff
* Urlaff
* Urlaub
* Orlow
* Oerlop
* Orleff
* Urlaffov
* Orlowski
* Orlowitsch
* Orlowitz
* Orlowicz
* Orlowsky
* Orlowski-Tansi
* Orlowitz-Schmidt
* Orlowicz-Mikolajewski

These variations can be found in various countries, such as Germany, Poland, Russia, and the United States. The name is of Slavic origin, derived from the word "orlop," which means "heron" or "eagle" in several Slavic languages. Despite these variations, all forms are generally pronounced with an emphasis on the first syllable (OHR-loff).

Famous people with the last name Orloff

The Orloff family has produced several notable figures in various fields. One of the most renowned is Elsa von Freytag-Loringhoff (née Orloff), a German actress who gained popularity during the silent film era. Born in St. Petersburg, she moved to Germany and was eventually signed by Ufa Studios. Her striking features and captivating performances made her one of the most successful actresses in the country.

Another significant figure is Emmanuel d'Orlando (also known as Emmanuel Orloff), a French-born American film director, screenwriter, and actor. He is best known for directing the cult classic horror film "The Terror" and was an important figure in the development of the drive-in movie culture in the United States during the 1950s.

Lastly, there's Natasha Orloff, an American actress and producer who has appeared in numerous films and TV shows, including "The Lost Boys" and "Fear Clinic". She is also known for her work behind the camera, producing shows like "Girlfight" and "Raising Izzie".

Genealogical research on the last name Orloff

The surname Orloff is of Slavic origin and is most commonly associated with families from Russia and Poland. The name is derived from the Old Russian word "orl" meaning eagle, and the diminutive suffix "-off." One notable branch of the Orloff family was the Russian noble family, who served the Tsarist government for centuries, holding prominent positions such as military leaders and court officials. Notable members include Nikolai Orloff, a distinguished 18th-century statesman, and Prince Nikolai Mikhailovich Orloff, an early 20th-century diplomat. The family's roots can be traced back to the Grand Duchy of Moscow, with some records indicating the name was brought to Russia by the Mongols in the 13th century. Today, the Orloff name is found throughout Eastern Europe and beyond, reflecting its long and storied history.

Last name distribution maps

Sources & References

• INSEE statistics on the surname "Orloff"
• 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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