The first name Orson
A boy’s name.
Pronounced /ˈɔɹsən/ 2 syllables Male
Meaning and origin
A male given name transferred from the surname.
From Wiktionary (CC BY-SA 4.0).
Popularity
Babies registered in England and Wales, 1996–2025
In 2025, 109 boys were named Orson, making it the 379th most popular boys’ name. It peaked in 2021, with 119 births (#375).
Office for National Statistics; years with fewer than three births are not published and show as zero. Compare Orson with other names.
Popularity in the United States
Babies named Orson at birth, 1880–2025
In 2025, 126 boys born in the United States were named Orson, the 1,433rd most popular boys’ name that year. It was used most in 2023, when 132 were.
US Social Security Administration, from applications for a Social Security card. A name is only published for a year when at least five babies were given it, so quieter years show as zero.
Famous people named Orson
6 on Wikidata, most written-about first
- Orson WellesAmerican actor and filmmaker (1915–1985)
- Orson Scott CardAmerican science fiction novelist (born 1951)
- Orson BeanAmerican actor (1928–2020)
- Orson PrattApostle of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints (1811–1881)
- Orson HydeAmerican Mormon leader (1805-1878)
- Orson K. Miller Jr.American botanist (1930-2006)
Questions
- How popular is the name Orson?
- In 2025, 109 boys born in England and Wales were named Orson, ranking 379th. Its peak was 2021, with 119 births.
- Is Orson a boy's or a girl's name?
- Mostly a boy's name: 100% of the 2,714 US babies named Orson since 1880 were boys.
- When was Orson most popular?
- 2023 in the United States, when 132 babies were named Orson, its highest rank at 1,400th.
- How do you pronounce Orson?
- Orson is /ˈɔɹsən/, 2 syllables.