870 Common Last Names Starting with O with Meaning & Origin

Last Names Starting with O: The world of surnames is a rich tapestry, each thread weaving a story of heritage, culture, and lineage. Among these, last names starting with “O” hold a unique charm and significance. From Europe to Asia, “O” surnames have diverse origins, tracing their roots through history. Whether stemming from Gaelic traditions or finding prominence in Japanese ancestry, these names carry a legacy of generations.

In this exploration, we delve into the fascinating realm of surnames beginning with the letter “O”, unveiling their etymology, cultural ties, and the stories they tell about the families that bear them. Join us on this journey through the alphabet, unearthing the hidden narratives behind these distinguished surnames.

Also Read: 378+ Sacred Bible Names that Start with J for Christian Girls & Boys

50 Last Names Starting with O

Here is a table of 50 last names starting with O along with their meaning, origin, gender association, and a brief description:

Also Read: 177+ Radiant Names that Start with Mai with Meanings

English last names that start with O

Here are some English last names starting with O along with their meanings:

1. O’Connor – Meaning “descendant of Conchobhar,” this Irish surname traces lineage to an ancient Irish king.
2. O’Donnell – Meaning “descendant of Domhnall,” this Irish surname is associated with power and leadership.
3. O’Reilly – Meaning “descendant of Raghailligh,” this Irish surname represents a prominent Irish clan.
4. Oliver – Derived from the Old French name “Olivier,” which means “olive tree.”
5. Osborne – Derived from the Old English name “Osb(e)orn,” meaning “divine bear” or “bear of God.”
6. Owens – Derived from the Welsh personal name “Owain,” meaning “youth” or “young warrior.”
7. O’Brien – Meaning “descendant of Brian,” indicating ancestry in Irish families.
8. O’Hara – Meaning “descendant of Art,” pointing to a noble Irish ancestry.
9. Oakley – Derived from the Old English words “āc” (oak) and “lēah” (clearing), indicating a clearing where oaks grow.
10. Orton – Derived from the Old English words “oru” (ore) and “tūn” (enclosure), meaning “ore farm” or “mining town.”

Last names that start with O in Spanish

Here are some Spanishlast names starting with O along with their meanings:

1. Ochoa – Significa “lugar de sauces” o “lugar de sauces jóvenes”. Es un apellido de origen toponímico que hace referencia a un lugar con presencia de sauces.
2. Ortega – Este apellido tiene un origen toponímico y proviene del latín “ortica”, que significa “ortiga” o “planta urticante”. Puede estar relacionado con lugares donde crecían estas plantas.
3. Oliva – Es un apellido que se relaciona con el olivo, el árbol que produce aceitunas.
4. Otero – Significa “lugar lleno de arbustos” o “monte bajo”. Tiene un origen toponímico.
5. Olivares – Se refiere a un lugar donde hay olivos, relacionado con la producción de aceitunas.
6. Orellana – Proviene del nombre de un pueblo en España llamado Orellana, que a su vez se deriva del latín “orellana”, que significa “olla grande”.
7. Ortiz – Es un apellido patronímico que significa “hijo de Orti”. Orti proviene del latín “hortus”, que significa “jardín”.
8. Osorio – Este apellido tiene un origen toponímico y se refiere a un lugar lleno de osos.
9. Ortega – Es un apellido toponímico que se refiere a un lugar con muchas veredas o caminos.
10. Olmos – Significa “lugar donde abundan los olmos”. Tiene un origen toponímico.

Famous people with last names starting with O

Here are some famous individuals with last names starting with O along with their meanings:

• Barack Obama – The name “Obama” is of Luo origin and means “bent” or “crooked.”
• Conan O’Brien – The name “O’Brien” is of Irish origin and means “descendant of Brian,” with “Brian” meaning “noble” or “high.”
• Shaquille O’Neal – The name “O’Neal” is of Irish origin and means “descendant of Niall,” with “Niall” meaning “champion” or “cloud.”
• Michelle Obama – The name “Obama” means “bent” or “crooked” in Luo.
• Maureen O’Hara – The name “O’Hara” is of Irish origin and means “descendant of Art,” with “Art” meaning “bear” or “stone.”
• Frank Oz – The name “Oz” is of Hebrew origin and means “strength” or “power.”
• Rosie O’Donnell – The name “O’Donnell” is of Irish origin and means “descendant of Domhnall,” with “Domhnall” meaning “ruler of the world.”
• Jamie Oliver – The name “Oliver” is of Old French origin and means “olive tree,” symbolizing peace and fruitfulness.
• Ed O’Neill – The name “O’Neill” is of Irish origin and means “descendant of Niall,” with “Niall” meaning “champion” or “cloud.”
• Ryan O’Neal – The name “O’Neal” is of Irish origin and means “descendant of Niall,” with “Niall” meaning “champion” or “cloud.”

Unique O family names

Here are some unique last names starting with O along with their meanings:

1. Oxley – Derived from Old English, it means “the ox meadow” or “the clearing where oxen graze.”
2. Orendorff – This German-origin name means “one who lives near the ash tree village.”
3. Ozaki – Of Japanese origin, it means “big peninsula” or “large cape.”
4. Oglesby – A name of Old Norse origin, it means “dweller at the ash tree settlement.”
5. Onishi – This Japanese surname means “big west” or “large west.”
6. O’Shea – An Irish name, it means “descendant of Shea,” with “Shea” meaning “hawk-like” or “admirable.”
7. Olander – Derived from Old Norse, it means “homestead of the ancestors.”
8. Ogunleye – Of Yoruba origin, it means “the lord/god of the house.”
9. Oyama – Japanese for “big mountain” or “large mountain.”
10. Olmos – Derived from Spanish, it means “elm trees” or “place of elms.”

O surnames ethnicity

Here are some last names starting with O along with their likely ethnic origins and their meanings:

1. O’Brien – Irish origin, meaning “descendant of Brian.” Brian means “noble” or “high.”
2. O’Connor – Irish origin, meaning “descendant of Conchobhar.” Conchobhar means “lover of hounds.”
3. O’Donnell – Irish origin, meaning “descendant of Domhnall.” Domhnall means “ruler of the world.”
4. O’Neill – Irish origin, meaning “descendant of Niall.” Niall means “champion” or “cloud.”
5. Okafor – Igbo (Nigerian) origin, meaning “God created” or “God brought.”
6. Olsen – Scandinavian (Norwegian/Danish) origin, meaning “son of Ole.” Ole is a variant of Olaf, which means “ancestor’s descendant” or “forefather.”
7. Okamoto – Japanese origin, where “Oka” means “hill” and “Moto” means “base” or “origin.”
8. Oliveira – Portuguese origin, meaning “olive tree” or “olive grove.”
9. Olson – Scandinavian (Swedish) origin, meaning “son of Ola.” Ola is a variant of Olaf.
10. Ortega – Spanish origin, likely from the Basque word “ortz,” meaning “height” or “eminence.”

Indian Surnames with O

However, there are still some Indian surnames that begin with “O.” Here are a few examples:

• Ojha: This surname is often associated with Brahmins in North India, especially in states like Bihar and Uttar Pradesh.
• Oza: It is a surname found among Gujarati Brahmins.
• Oswal: This is a surname found among the Oswal Jain community, which is a prominent business community in Rajasthan.
• Ovhal: It is a Marathi surname found in Maharashtra.
• Ojha: This surname is also found among certain Bengali and Odia communities, particularly among Brahmins.
• Ohol: This surname is found in the Maratha community, especially in Maharashtra.
• Oraon: The Oraon community is an Adivasi group found mainly in the states of Jharkhand, Chhattisgarh, and Odisha.

Also Read: 266+ Exotic Spanish Names that Start with A 

Last names starting with “O” encompass a rich tapestry of diverse origins and cultural significance. While many associate “O'” surnames with Irish heritage, exemplified by names like O’Brien and O’Connor, they often signify “descendant of” and trace lineage. Scandinavian surnames like Olson and Olsen denote “son of” or “descendant of,” reflecting parentage.

The list broadens with Japanese names like Okamoto and Portuguese surnames like Oliveira, each carrying distinct meanings. Spanish names like Ortega reveal their Basque roots, emphasizing height or eminence. From “Okafor” of Igbo origin to the unique “Orendorff,” these last names starting with “O” offer a diverse mosaic of heritage and history.