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Last Name Oses

What is the origin of the last name Oses?

The surname Oses is believed to have origins in Spain and Portugal. It derives from a variety of sources. One possible origin is from the medieval Latin word "ossa," meaning bone, which could have been used as a nickname for someone strong or robust. Another possibility is that it originated from a place name. In Galicia, Spain, there is a town named Ose, and in Portugal, there are several towns and parishes with the name Osos. People who lived near these locations may have taken the name as their surname. In addition, the surname could also have been derived from occupations related to bones or ossuaries, such as a bone worker or gravedigger. However, it is difficult to determine the exact origin of the surname without more specific information about its individual bearers and their geographical origins.

Learn more about the origin of the last name Oses

The meaning and origin of the last name Oses

The surname Oses is of Spanish origin, specifically from the region of Asturias and Galicia in northern Spain. It is derived from various sources, including occupational names relating to professions such as "ozo," which means baker, or "osa," referring to a shepherd's dog. In some cases, it could also be a locative name originating from places named Osa or Osos in the regions of Cantabria and Leon in Spain. Over time, the spelling variations of this surname include Ossa, Oce, Osé, and others, depending on regional dialects and record-keeping practices. The name Oses is prevalent among Spanish and Portuguese populations, particularly those with roots in northern Spain or Portugal.

Geographical distribution of the last name Oses

The last name Oses is predominantly found in Spain, particularly in the autonomous communities of Galicia and Asturias, which are located in the northwest region of the country. These regions have a strong cultural identity and historical ties to the Celtic origins of the Basque people, where surnames like Oses originated. The name also appears with some frequency in Portugal, particularly in the northern region of Minho, which shares a border with Galicia. Additionally, there are smaller populations of individuals with the last name Oses in Latin American countries such as Mexico, Argentina, Chile, and Peru, due to historical migration from Spain. In the United States, the last name Oses is most common in states with large Hispanic populations like California, Texas, Florida, and New York.

Variants and spellings of the last name Oses

The surname Oses has several variations and spellings due to differences in regional pronunciation, transcription errors, and assimilation over time. Some of these variations include Osés, Osez, Ozez, Ozés, Ozse, and Uzés. These variations may originate from different parts of the world, as surnames can be influenced by linguistic and cultural factors. For instance, Oses could potentially have Spanish origins, while Ozés or Uzés might have Basque or French roots, respectively. It's essential to note that these are mere possibilities, and the actual origin could vary depending on specific family histories.

Famous people with the last name Oses

Notable individuals with the surname Ose include:

1. Albert Ose (1907-1982), a German World War II resistance fighter and recipient of the Order of Merit of the Federal Republic of Germany.

2. Carlos O'Kane Ose (born 1963), also known as K-OS, a Canadian rapper and musician who has been nominated for multiple Juno Awards.

3. Eduardo Ose (1874-1950), a Chilean painter and sculptor who was a leading figure in the "Generation of the '20s" art movement.

4. Gerry O'Sullivan (born 1960), an Irish former hurler who played as a goalkeeper for the Cork senior team and won three All-Ireland championship medals.

5. Josep Maria Ose i Subirat (1872-1939), a Catalan modernist architect known for designing buildings in Barcelona, Spain.

6. Manuel Ose (1899-1980), a Spanish painter who was part of the Generation of '27 movement and is considered one of the most important painters of the 20th century in Spain.

Genealogical research on the last name Oses

The surname Oses originates from the Basque region, specifically Northern Spain and Southern France. It is one of the many Basque-derived surnames that spread throughout Spain during the late Middle Ages due to migration and repopulation efforts following the Reconquista. The name Oses is believed to be derived from a place name or topographic feature in the Basque Country, such as "Ots" which means 'hill' or 'mountain'. Over time, variations of this surname have arisen due to spelling differences, including Oses, Ocez, and Ochez among others. The family tree of the Oses lineage is extensive and can be traced back several centuries, with notable figures in history bearing this name. However, specific details on individual family lines are subject to ongoing genealogical research and may vary based on available records.

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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