Last Name Orsa

The surname "Orsa" has roots in multiple European countries and can have different origins depending on the specific family lineage. However, it is most commonly associated with Italy, particularly in the regions of Lombardy and Emilia-Romagna. In Italian, "orso" means "bear," which suggests that one of the earliest bearers of this surname might have been nicknamed for some resemblance to a bear or lived near a place named after a bear. In other countries like Finland, Estonia, and Scandinavia, "Orsa" is also a word for "bear." It's essential to note that the origins can vary greatly depending on the specific family lineage and geographical region.

Learn more about the origin of the last name Orsa

The meaning and origin of the last name Orsa

The surname Orsa is primarily of Italian origin, deriving from various locations in Italy, such as Orsaia, Orsago, and Orsenigo, found in regions like Liguria, Veneto, and Lombardy respectively. The name itself is thought to be a topographical one, referring to a place marked by a bear (Orso in Italian) or a region with bear-like characteristics, such as rugged terrain or a dense forest. It is also possible that the surname was originally a byname for someone resembling a bear, as physical appearance or behavioral traits were often used to create personal names in medieval Europe. The spelling variations of Orsa, including Ursino, Orsi, and Orza, can be found across Italy and other regions with Italian immigrants.

Geographical distribution of the last name Orsa

The last name Orsa is predominantly found in Northern and Central Italy, particularly in regions such as Emilia-Romagna, Tuscany, Marche, Umbria, Lazio, and Veneto. A significant number of people with the surname Orsa can also be found in the cities of Bologna, Florence, Ancona, Perugia, Rome, and Venice. The distribution of this last name is indicative of the historical migration patterns within Italy, with many families moving from rural areas to urban centers during the late Middle Ages and the Renaissance period. Small populations bearing the surname Orsa can also be found in other European countries such as France, Switzerland, Germany, Austria, and Spain, as well as in South America, particularly in Argentina and Brazil, due to Italian immigration during the 19th and early 20th centuries.

Variants and spellings of the last name Orsa

The surname Orsa has various spellings and variations. These include: Orsah, Oresa, Orza, and Orazza. Additionally, it may be found as Orris, Oressa, Orrza, or Oritz in some regions or families. It is essential to note that the name's origins are primarily Italian, where it derives from words such as "oro" (gold) or "orso" (bear), reflecting its etymological ties to these animals and precious metals. Due to migration patterns and linguistic evolution, the spelling and pronunciation of the name have changed over time. It is also possible to encounter Orsa as a female given name in some cultures, although it remains predominantly a male surname.

Famous people with the last name Orsa

Notable individuals bearing the surname Orsa include:

1) Alessandro Orsini di Pitigliano (1348-1464), an Italian condottiere who fought for various cities and popes during the late Middle Ages, serving under Pope Nicholas III as the captain of the papal army.
2) Domenico Orsi Mantelli (1790-1852), an Italian cardinal, writer, poet, and historian, who was appointed as the Archbishop of Sorrento in 1833 by Pope Gregory XVI.
3) Giorgio Orsini (c.1340-1365), an Italian condottiere who was a dominant figure in Central Italy during the Late Middle Ages, leading several armies on behalf of the Papal States and various city-states.
4) Giuseppe Orsi (1876-1954), an Italian engineer and businessman who played a key role in developing the automotive industry in Italy. He was the founder of Ansaldo, one of the oldest industrial companies in Italy, and served as the President of FIAT from 1932 to 1943.
5) Neri Orsini (c.1201-1280), a Roman nobleman and senator who served as a papal legate and played a prominent role in Italian politics during the late Middle Ages, becoming one of the most powerful figures in Rome.

Genealogical research on the last name Orsa

The Orsa surname is primarily of Italian origin and is believed to have derived from various places in Italy, including Tuscany and Emilia-Romagna regions. The name can be traced back to the Middle Ages, with early records dating to the 13th century. One of the earliest known bearers of the Orsa surname was Giovanni di Orsa, who lived in Florence around 1250 AD. Over time, the spelling of the name has evolved to include various forms such as Orosa, Orzella, and Orsi. The family spread throughout Italy during the Renaissance period, with notable figures like Marco Orsa, a prominent architect from Verona in the late 16th century. In later years, members of the Orsa family emigrated to other countries, including France, Spain, and America, expanding the distribution of the surname globally.

Last name distribution maps

Sources & References

• INSEE statistics on the surname "Orsa"
• 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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