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The letter O is number 15 in the English alphabet and a vowel that can offer several last names starting with it. These surnames or last names that start with O can be of any given origin and culture, from European countries like England, France, and Ireland, to the Asian continent. In particular, the Irish have many surnames and last names with the letter O, as they usually have O’ as the prefix. Browse through our list, originating from different roots and languages; learn about their meaning, origin history, notable bearers, and more.
Key Pointers
- Several Irish surnames start with the prefix ‘O,’ which means ‘grandson of.’
- Surnames such as Olivarez, Olivas, Olivero, Olivares, Oliva, and Oliveri share the same etymology.
- Odendaal, Oviedo, Olaya, and Ory are some habitational last names derived from place names.
- Several Nigerian surnames starting with ‘O’ refer to the names of gods or goddesses, such as Oyawale, Onyeka, Obasi, and Ogun.
250+ Last Names That Start With O
Take a trip back in history and time, traveling through the shores of Ireland, the historical streets of England, and the hills of Japan to the green covers of Africa and Nigeria. Explore, along the way, a beautiful array of surnames starting with O, the fourth vowel of the English alphabet.
Irish Last Names Starting With O
The prefix O’ in Irish surnames means ‘grandson of,’ thus, indicating the patronymic lineage (1). Therefore, almost all patronymic surnames of Irish origin, including a few other Irish surnames, start with O. Have a look at the list below to learn about some of Irish last names with meanings and origins.
1. Owens
Originating from the given name Owain, which found its roots from the Old Welsh name Ougein or Eugein, the surname Owens may mean ‘good sheep’ or ‘born of desire.’ This surname was borne by Bill Owens, an American politician and businessman who was the first Black state senator in the Massachusetts State Senate.
2. Ó Baoighill
Meaning ‘descendant of Baoigheall,’ this patronymic surname originates as the Irish Gaelic form of the surname Boyle.
3. Ó Bradáin
An Irish patronymic surname, meaning ‘descendant of Bradán,’ derived from the name Bradán which means ‘salmon’ in Irish. An Irish republican political and military leader, Ruairí Ó Brádaigh, was a notable person with this surname.
4. O’Brian
A spelling variant of the Irish surname O’Brien, meaning ‘descendant of Brian,’ which in turn, stems from the given name Brian, which might mean ‘hill’ or ‘power’ in the Old Irish dialect. An English novelist and translator, Patrick O’Brian who wrote the Aubrey–Maturin series of sea novels, bore this surname.
5. O’Brien
Originating as the Irish variant of the surname, meaning ‘descendant of Brian,’ this surname is an alternate variant of the surname O’Brian. A significant figure associated with this name is Flann O’Brien, an Irish novelist who is regarded as the major figure in twentieth-century Irish literature.
6. O’Bryant
Another spelling variant of the surname O’Brien, via the surname Bryant or Bryan, which is commonly used in English-speaking countries. The first mayor of Portland, Hugh O’Bryant, was the notable person with this surname.
7. O’Callaghan
O’Callaghan means ‘descendants of Callaghan or Cellachán’ is derived from the surname Callaghan, which is a variant of Callahan, that ultimately comes from the Old Irish name Cellach, which may mean ‘bright-headed,’ ‘war,’ or ‘church.’ An Irish athlete, Pat O’Callaghan, who was the first Olympic gold medallist from Ireland bore this surname.
8. Ó Caoimháin
Originating as the Irish Gaelic form of the surname Cavan, an anglicized form of the Irish Ó Caoimháin meaning ‘descendant of Caomhán.’ Tracing further, the name Caomhán comes from the Old Irish name Cóemán, meaning ‘dear’ or ‘beloved.’
9. Ó Ceallaigh
Meaning ‘descendant of Ceallach,’ this surname comes from the Old Irish name Cellach, which possibly means ‘bright-headed,’ ‘war,’ or ‘church.’
10. O’Clery
Stemming from Ó Cléirigh, the surname O’Clery means ‘descendant of the clerk’ in Irish. An Irish barrister and Home Rule politician, Count Patrick Keyes O’Clery, was the significant name in Irish history bearing this surname.
11. O’Connell
A variant of the surname Connell, which is an anglicized form of the Irish surname Ó Conaill meaning ‘descendant of Conall.’ Here, the name Conall means ‘rule of a wolf.’ A well-known historical figure with this surname from Ireland is Daniel O’Connell, an Irish political leader hailed as The Liberator in the 19th century.
12. O’Connor
The surname O’Connor originates from the Irish surname Ó Conchobhair meaning ‘descendant of Conchobar,’ where the name Conchobar is derived from Old Irish cú meaning ‘hound, dog, wolf’ and cobar meaning ‘desiring.’ An Irish track and field, Peter O’Connor, who set a long-standing world record for the long jump at the 1906 Intercalated Games, was a notable bearer of this surname.
13. O’Conner
O’Conner is an alternate variant of the surname O’Connor with similar etymological background. An Australian novelist, Elizabeth O’Conner, who won the Miles Franklin Award for her novel The Irishman in 1980, bore this surname.
14. O’Dea
O’Dea is an anglicized version of the Irish Gaelic surname Ó Deaghaidh, meaning ‘descendant of Deaghadh.’ Here, the name Deaghadh means ‘good luck.’ A famous bearer of this surname was an Irish actor and comedian, Jimmy O’Dea.
15. O’Donnell
O’Donnell comes from the Irish surname Ó Domhnaill, which means descendant of Domhnall’ where the name Domhnall means ‘ruler of the world.’ A historical figure associated with this surname is Gofraid O’Donnell, the 13th century Irish king of Tyrconnell and the first chieftain of mark in the O’Donnell dynasty.
16. O’Donoghue
The surname O’Donoghue is an anglicized version of the Irish surname Ó Donnchadha, meaning ‘descendant of Donnchadh.’ The given name Donnchadh is derived from the elements donn meaning ‘brown-haired [man]’ and cath meaning ‘battle.’ General Sir Kevin O’Donoghue who was the first chief of Defence Materiel in the UK Ministry of Defence, is a notable historical figure with this surname.
17. O’Donohue
O’Donohue is a variant of the surname O’Donoghue with a similar meaning. An Irish-American builder and architect, Michael O’Donohue, who designed several ecclesiastical buildings in New England, bore this surname.
18. O’Dwyer
Also known as Dwyer, this surname is an Old noble surname In Ireland that belongs to aristocratic families. It means ‘dark-colored’ or ‘black,’ inspired by the hair color of Dubhuir mac Spealáin who was the progenitor of this clan.
19. O’Farrell
The surname O’Farrell comes from an Old Irish patronym surname Ó Fearghail, meaning ‘descendant of Fearghail,’ where the name Fearghail means ‘man of valor.’ An Irish actress, Bernadette O’Farrell, best known for her role in 1950s TV series of The Adventures of Robin Hood, bore this surname.
20. Ó Floinn
Ó Floinn comes from the Irish surname Ó Floinn meaning ‘descendant of Flann,’ where the name means ‘blood red’ in Irish.
21. O’Grady
Popularized by the American animated comedy sitcom O’Grady, it is one of the noble families of Ireland which is written as Ó Gráda in Irish. It is also a surviving ‘Chiefs of the Name’ title in Ireland.
22. O’Hara
Derived from Ó hEaghra, the surname means ‘descendant of Eaghra,’ where the meaning of the given name ‘Eaghra’ is uncertain. An Irish composer of the early 18th century, Kane O’Hara, was the significant name bearing this surname.
23. Ó hÉidín
Cognate to the English surname Hayden, the Irish surname Ó hÉidín means ‘descendant of Éideán or Éidín.’ Both of these personal names are eventually derived from Irish éideadh, meaning ‘clothes’ or ‘armor.’
24. O’Higgins
The Irish surname O’Higgins, meaning ‘descendent of Higgins’ is the subdivision of the Irish family name O’Neil of the Uí Néill dynasty which was the foremost dynasty of Ireland. This surname was borne by Bernardo O’Higgins, a Chilean independence leader who majorly contributed to the freedom of Chile from Spanish rule.
25. O’Keeffe
The surname O’Keeffe or Ó Caoimh is an Irish Gaelic clan, derived from the given name Caomh, which comes from ‘caomh’ meaning ‘kind’ or ‘gentle.’ An Irish actor, dramatist, and playwright, John O’Keeffe, was a notable bearer of this surname.
26. Ó Leannáin
Ó Leannáin is derived from the Irish name Ó Leannáin, meaning ‘descendant of Leannán’ where the given name Leannán means ‘lover.’
27. O’Leary
Derived from the Irish surname Ó Laoghaire, the surname O’Leary means ‘descendent of Laoghaire.’ Here, the name Laoghaire is the modern version of the Old Irish name Lóegaire, meaning ‘calf herder.’
28. O’Malley
The surname O’Malley or Ó Máille means ‘descendant of a nobleman,’ derived from the Irish Gaelic word ‘mál.’ An Irish Fianna Fáil politician, Donogh O’Malley, who introduced free secondary school education in the Republic of Ireland, was a significant figure with this surname.
29. Ó Marcaigh
Meaning ‘descendant of Marcach,’ this surname is derived from the given name Marcach meaning ‘horse rider.’
30. O’Neill
The surname O’Neill is a variant of the Old Irish surname Irish Ó Néill, meaning ‘descendant of Neil,’ where the given name possibly means ‘passion’ or ‘hero.’ A notable bearer of this surname was Elizabeth O’Neill, who was the 19th century Irish actress.
31. Ó Nualláin
Cognate to the English surname Nolan, Ó Nualláin means ‘descendant of Nuallán,’ from the Irish nickname Nuallán derived from the Irish word ‘nuall’ meaning ‘famous’ or ‘loud’ combined with a diminutive suffix.
32. O’Reilly
The surname O’Reilly is an anglicized form of Ó Raghailligh, which means ‘descendant of Raghailligh. The name Raghailligh is possibly derived from the Old Irish elements ‘ragh’ meaning ‘race’ and ‘ceallach’ meaning ‘sociable.’
33. Orman
The surname Orman is an anglicized form of the Irish surname Ó Ruaidh, meaning ‘descendant of Ruadh,’ derived from an Irish and Scottish Gaelic nickname, meaning ‘red.’ An American politician and railroad builder, James Bradley Orman, who became the 12th Governor of Colorado in 1901, bore this surname.
34. Ó Riagáin
Cognate to the English surname Reagan, this Irish surname means ‘descendant of Riagán.’ Here, the name Riagán stems from the Irish word ‘ri’ meaning ‘king’ combined with a diminutive suffix.
35. Ó Rinn
Ó Rinn means ‘descendent of Rinn’ derived from a given name that means ‘star’ in Irish.
36. O’Rourke
Also known as Ó Ruairc in Old Irish, this surname is an Irish Gaelic clan whose ancestors were the historic rulers of Ireland until the 17th century. A Russian nobleman and military leader of Irish origin, Count Joseph Cornelius O’Rourke, participated in the Napoleonic Wars.
37. O’Shea
Coming from the surname Ó Séaghdha, the surname O’Shea means ‘descendant of Séaghdha.’ Here, the given name comes from the Old Irish name Ségdae, which means ‘fine,’ good,’ or ‘favorable.’
38. Ó Síoda
Meaning ‘descendent of Sioda,’ this surname is derived from the Irish nickname Sioda, meaning ‘silk’ in Irish.
39. O’Sullivan
A variant of the surname Sullivan and an anglicized form of the Irish name Ó Súileabháin, the surname O’Sullivan means ‘descendant of Súileabhán.’ Here, the name Súileabhán means ‘dark eye.’
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40. Ó Tadhgáin
Meaning ‘Ó Tadhgáin,’ this surname is derived from the name Tadhgáin which comes from the Old Irish name Tadg meaning ‘poet.’
41. Ó Téacháin
The surname Ó Téacháin means ‘descendant of Téachán,’ where the name Téachán might mean ‘fugitive.’
Check more Irish surnames.
Spanish Last Names Starting With O
In addition to Spain, around 20 countries, including Mexico, Puerto Rico, Argentina, Costa Rica, El Salvador, and Venezuela, have Spanish as their official language. Therefore, Spanish last names starting with O can be from different places. Read on to learn about some common Spanish surnames that reflect the geographic and cultural diversity of the Spanish-speaking world.
42. Obando
Originating from Spain, Obando is a habitational surname referring to a person living in a place named Obando in Extremadura, Spain.
43. Ocana
The habitational surname Ocana is derived from the place named Mesa de Ocaña in Toledo, Spain. Aguas Santas Ocaña Navarro, who is the ex-wife of the former President of Honduras, Ricardo Maduro, is the notable bearer of this surname.
44. Ocon
Derived from the town named Ocón in La Rioja, Spain, Ocon is a habitational surname. A Roman Catholic priest named Juan Alonso y Ocón from the early 17th century bore this surname.
45. Ojeda
The surname Ojeda comes from the name of the river Ojeda in Spain, derived from the Latin word ‘folia’ meaning ‘leaves.’
46. Oleastro
Of Spanish origin, the surname means ‘wild olive’ in Spanish, referring to someone living near such a tree.
47. Olguín
Olguín is taken as a variant of the Spanish surname Holguín, which itself is derived from the byname ‘holgar’ meaning ‘to rest’ or ‘to enjoy oneself’ in Spanish.
48. Olivarez
The surname Olivarez is a variant of Olivares, which was used to denote people from any of the places named Olivares in Spain. It is taken as the plural of the Spanish word ‘olivar’ meaning ‘olive groove.’
49. Olivas
A spelling variant of the name Olives, which is inspired by the Olives in Girona province, Spain. It is derived as the plural form of the Spanish word ‘oliva’ meaning ‘olive tree.’
50. Olivero
Both a name and a surname in Spanish, Olivero comes from the Spanish word ‘oliva’ meaning ‘olive tree.’ A former Spanish athlete, Cora Olivero, is the notable bearer of this surname in Spain.
51. Olmeda
The surname Olmeda is a habitational surname derived from the place named Olmeda in Spain. It comes from the Spanish word ‘olmeda’ meaning ‘stand of elm trees.’
52. Olmedo
Similar to the surname Olmeda, Olmedo is derived from several places named Olmedo in Spain. The surname has the same meaning, ‘‘stand of elm trees’ in Spanish.
53. Olmo
Ultimately stemming from the Latin word ‘ulmus,’ the surname Olmo means ‘elm tree’ in Spanish. Originally, this surname was used to refer to someone who lived near an elm tree.
54. Olmos
Taken as a variant of the surname Olmo, the surname Olmos shares a similar etymology and meaning in Latin.
55. Onate
Onate is a Spanish surname of Basque origin, and is a variant of the town named Oñati in Gipuzkoa province of Spain. A Spanish conquistador, Juan de Oñate, who was also the explorer, and colonial governor of the province of Santa Fe de Nuevo México, New Spain, bore this surname during the 16th and 17th centuries.
56. Ontiveros
Probably derived from the Spanish noble title ‘Marquisado de Ontiveros,’ Ontiveros was later adopted as a surname in Spanish. Fidela Campiña Ontiveros, a Spanish soprano who had one of the most versatile voices in Spain during the 20th century, bore this surname.
57. Oquendo
Oquendo is a habitational surname that was used to refer to someone who was from the Okondo town in Álava, northern Spain. The surname is possibly derived from the Basque word ‘ukondo’ meaning ‘elbow.’
58. Orantes
Orates is a Spanish surname, derived from a Spanish byname meaning ‘those who pray.’ One of the notable bearers of this surname is Manuel Orantes, a Spanish former professional tennis player who won the 1975 US Open men’s singles title.
59. Orbe
Of Basque origin, the surname Orbe is derived from a nickname from the Basque element oru(be) meaning ‘of or relating to the sun.’ A Spanish-born Roman Catholic priest, Gabriel Ortiz de Orbe of the 19th century was among the notable figures with this surname in history.
60. Ordaz
Ordaz is a variant of the Spanish habitational surname Ordás, which comes from the place named Santa María de Ordás in León province, Spain. Diego de Ordaz, a Spanish explorer from the 14th century who participated in the earliest exploratory expeditions of Mexico, bore this surname.
61. Orduna
The surname Orduna is a variant of the Basque surname Urduña, belonging to the family who came from the city of Orduña-Urduña in the Basque country, spain. A Spanish artist of the 20th century, Fructuoso Orduna, who was best known for his sculptor of ‘urban sculpture,’ bore this surname.
62. Orellana
A habitational surname which was used to denote someone from any of the towns named Orellana in Spain. These town names have probably come from the Latin name Aureliana meaning ‘of Aurelius.’
63. Orihuela
A habitational Spanish surname, Orihuela was used to denote families originating from any of the two places named Orihuela in Spain. A Spanish rhythmic gymnast, Rubén Orihuela, who won the male national championship for rhythmic gymnastics for several years, bears this surname.
64. Oro
Transferred from a given name, Oro is a Spanish surname, meaning ‘gold,’ and can also be a nickname. A professional wrestler from Mexico, Jesús Javier Hernández Silva, who was popular by his ring name Oro, bears this name.
65. Orona
With Basque origins, Orona was a habitational surname to indicate someone from the Orona town in the Basque Country. Mexican professional footballer Efraín Orona is a notable bearer of this surname.
66. Ortega
A toponymic surname of Spanish origin, Ortega is derived from the name of several villages in Spain. It stems from the Latin word ‘urtica,’ meaning ‘nettle.’ An American actress, Jenna Ortega, who played the role of Wednesday Addams in the Netflix horror-comedy series Wednesday, is a well-known personality bearing this surname.
67. Otero
Otero is of Spanish origin, meaning ‘hill,’ ‘knoll,’ or ‘height.’ Thus, this surname was used to indicate someone from a geographically high place. A Spanish actress, dancer, and courtesan, La Belle Otero, who was a great beauty during the late 19th century, bore this surname.
Check out more Spanish surnames.
Mexican Last Names Starting With O
Mexico has a great influence of the Spanish language over the country due to Spanish colonization. Therefore, popular Mexican surnames often have a link to Spanish-originated surnames, along with a few indigenous ones. Read on and explore some Mexican last names starting with ‘O.’
68. Ochoa
Derived from the Basque surname Otxoa, the surname Ochoa ultimately derives from the Basque word ‘otso’ meaning ‘wolf.’ Born in 1958, the first Mexican-American astronaut and the first Hispanic woman astronaut, Ellen Ochoa, bears this surname.
69. Olivares
A habitation surname, Olivares is from several places named Olivares in Spain. It is derived from the Spanish word ‘olivar’ meaning ‘olive groove.’ A notable bearer of this surname includes Antonio de San Buenaventura y Olivares, a Spanish Franciscan who made a remarkable contribution to the founding of San Antonia, a state in the USA in the late 17th century.
70. Orozco
Orozco is a habitational surname that refers to Orozco in the Basque country province of Spain. Originally, this surname belonged to the people from this region. A Mexican revolutionary leader during the early 20th century bore this surname.
71. Ortiz
Meaning ‘son of Orti,’ Ortiz is a patronym surname derived from the name ‘Orti’ meaning ‘brave,’ ‘strong,’ or ‘fortunate,’ via the Latin words fortis or fortunius. Among the prominent figures with this surname include Eulalio Gutiérrez Ortiz, the provisional president of Mexico during 1914-1915.
72. Osorio
Osorio is believed to originate from the Basque word ‘Otso’ meaning a ‘wolf.’ Alternatively, it also refers to a ‘wolf hunter,’ making this surname an occupational one. A Mexican telenovela producer, Juan Osorio, is among the notable bearers of this surname from Mexico.
Check more Mexican surnames.
Hispanic Last Names Starting With O
Hispanic people are usually referred to as those from Spanish-speaking countries, especially in South and Central America, such as Portugal, Venezuela, and Costa Rica. Therefore, Hispanic last names usually consist of last names originating from the Spanish language (2). Look through the collection of Hispanic last names starting with O.
73. Oaxaca
The surname Oaxaca comes from the Oaxaca state in the United Mexican States. This habitational name is derived from the Nahuatl word ‘Huaxyacac,’ which is a tree named ‘guaje’ which is native to Southern Mexico and Northern Central America.
74. Obrador
A surname of Spanish origin, Obrador’s meaning is uncertain. The 65th President of Mexico since 2018, Andrés Manuel López Obrador, is the most prominent name associated with this surname.
75. Obregón
A Spanish surname, Obregón or Obregon is derived from the name of Village, now known as Cantabria in northern Spain. The most prominent name associated with this surname is the 46th President of Mexico, Álvaro Obregón who was in office from 1920 to 1924.
76. Ocampo
Originated from Galicia, and derived from the Latin ‘campus’ meaning ‘field’ or ‘plain,’ Ocampo indicated someone from an open area. A Spanish navigator and explorer from the 16th century, Sebastián de Ocampo, bore this surname.
77. Ocasio
Primarily found in Puerto Rico, Ocasio is a Spanish surname derived from the Spanish word ‘ocaso’ and the Latin word ‘occasus.’ It is used to denote the last phase of the existence of something. Osvaldo ‘Ossie’ Ocasio, a former boxer from Puerto Rico is a notable figure with this surname.
78. Oceguera
The Spanish surname Oceguera is a variant of the Spanish Oseguera, mostly found among Mexicans. A Native American Democratic politician, John Oceguera, who is the first Native American to serve as Speaker in Nevada history, bears this surname.
79. Odio
Probably derived from the Latin word ‘odium’ meaning ‘hate,’ Odio is a Spanish surname. The 38th President of Costa Rica, Rodrigo Carazo Odio, bore this surname.
80. Odriozola
Odriozola is a Spanish surname of unknown origin and meaning. The surname was borne by several notable persons, including a Peruvian soldier, scholar, and historian, Manuel de Odriozola.
81. O’Farrill
A Hispanic surname, O’Farrill traces its origin to the Old Irish patronym surname Ó Fearghail, meaning ‘descendant of Fearghail,’ where the name means ‘man of valor.’ A historical bearer of this surname is Gonzalo O’Farrill, a Spanish soldier and politician, who was the lieutenant general of the Royal Spanish Army.
82. Ogazón
Ogazón is a Spanish Hispanic surname with unknown meaning. This surname was borne by Ignacio Luis Vallarta Ogazón, who was the Mexican jurist and governor of the Mexican state of Jalisco in 1872.
83. Olachea
Olaechea is a family name that is mainly found among Peruvian families. The meaning and origin of the surname are not known, but a Peruvian medical doctor, clinician, and university professor, Maximiliano González Olaechea was a significant figure associated with this surname.
84. Olaizola
The surname Olaizola is a Basque surname of Spanish origin and a variant of the surname Olazabal. A Spanish writer, José Luis Olaizola, who wrote novels such as La Guerra del General Escobar, and Planicio, is a remarkable figure associated with this surname.
85. Olazabal
Olazábal or Olazabal is a Basque surname derived from the Basque elements ‘ola’ meaning ‘hill,’ and ‘zaba’ meaning ‘wide.’ One notable bearer of this surname in history is Tirso de Olazábal who was the Spanish noble and Carlist politician.
86. Olaya
Derived from the name of the town Olaya in the Republic of Colombia, Olaya is a habitational surname. One of the most significant personalities with this surname was José Silverio Olaya Balandra, a Peruvian hero in the Peruvian War of Independence.
87. Olid
Olid is a Spanish surname of unknown meaning and origin. A Spanish adventurer and conquistador, Cristóbal de Olid, who played an important role in the conquest of Honduras (the Aztec empire in 1519-21).
88. Olvera
Of Spanish origins, Olvera is a habitation surname that was used to denote someone from the town of Olvera in Andalusia, Spain. A Californio judge, and politician in the 19th century, Agustín Olvera, was one of the most notable bearers of this surname.
89. Orci
The surname Orci is primarily found among Mexicans and has uncertain origin and meaning. A Mexican-American screenwriter and producer, Roberto Gaston Orcí, who wrote the script for the Transformers film series with Alex Kurtzman, is a significant bearer of this surname.
90. Ordóñez
A patronymic surname of Basque origin, the surname Ordóñez means ‘son of Ordoño.’ One of the notable and earliest bearers of this surname is the Asturian king of Galicia, Sancho Ordóñez, from 926 to 929.
91. Oribe
Oribe is a family name that was first found in Navarre of Northern Spain. A notable bearer of this surname was Manuel Oribe who was the 2nd Constitutional president of Uruguay in 1835.
92. Oropesa
With Spanish origins, Oropesa likely represented someone from the town of Oropeza in Toledo, Spain. Eddie Oropesa (born 1971), Cuban baseball pitcher, bears this surname.
93. Oropeza
A Spanish surname, Oropeza is a variant of the habitational surname Oropesa. The California State Senator, Jennifer Ann Oropeza, bore this surname.
94. Orrantia
The surname Orrantia is a topographic surname that probably means ‘mountain pass’ in Spanish. It was borne by Hayley Orrantia, an American actress, singer, and songwriter, who played the role of Erica on the ABC comedy series The Goldbergs.
95. Ortuño
Originating from the Basque region, Ortuño means ‘bear cub,’ indicating a familial connection to bears. A Bolivian military officer and politician, René Barrientos Ortuño, who also served as the 47th president of Bolivia for two consecutive terms, was among the notable figures with this surname.
96. Oseguera
Oseguera is originally a European surname of Spanish origin. It is probably a habitational surname referring to a family originating from Oseguera, a village in Burgos province, Spain. A notable bearer of this surname is Luis Enrique Oseguera, a former footballer from Honduras who played for the national team in the 1995 FIFA World Youth Championship.
97. Osuna
Derived from the town and municipality named Osuna in the Seville province, Spain, Osuna is a Spanish surname. Francisco de Osuna who was the Spanish Franciscan friar and author of some of the most influential works on spirituality in Spain in the 16th century, bore this surname.
98. Ovalle
Ovalle is a Galician surname usually found among Chileans. It is a topographic surname from the Latin word uallis or ualles, meaning ‘the valley.’
99. Oviedo
Probably derived from the city named Oviedo in Spain, Oviedo is a habitational surname. A historical bearer of this surname was Gonzalo Fernández de Oviedo y Valdés, a Spanish soldier, historian, and writer who was the first European to arrive at the West Indies in 1492.
100. Ozaeta
Originated from Basque, Ozaeta is a habitational surname derived from the village named Ozaeta in Basque country.
Japanese Last Names Starting With O
Unravel the meaning and origin behind the Kanji characters used for Japanese surnames starting with O.
101. Ōba
A surname in Japanese, meaning ‘big or great place.’ Died in 1180, Ōba Saburō Kagechika, who was the samurai of Japan’s Heian period, is the earliest mention of this surname.
102. Obama
Originating from the Japanese language, Obama means ‘small beach or seashore.’ The 44th President of the United States, Barack Obama, is the most well-known name associated with this surname.
Trivia103. Obata
The surname Obata either means ‘small field’ or ‘small flag’ in Japanese, depending on the Kanji characters. It was borne by Hideyoshi Obata, a general in the Imperial Japanese Army in World War II.
104. Obayashi
The surname Obayashi is a nature-derived Japanese surname, meaning ‘big forest.’ A Japanese voice actor, Ryūsuke Ōbayashi, who gave voice to many animation characters, including Captain Kiichi Goto in the TV series and movies of Patlabor.
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105. Obuchi
Borne by Keizō Obuchi, the Prime Minister of Japan from 1998 to 2000, this surname means ‘small abyss’ in Japanese.
106. Ochi
The surname Ochi is of Japanese origin, meaning ‘‘fall, leave behind, or drop.’ A Japanese master of karate, Hideo Ochi, who is the former World Champion in kumite and kata, bears this surname.
107. Ochiai
Derived from the Japanese kanji characters ‘ochi’ meaning ‘fall, leave behind, or drop’ combined with ‘ai’ meaning ‘fit, suit, or join.’ It is the surname of a Japanese voice actor, Fukushi Ochiai, who voiced in and dubbed some popular anime and movies in Japanese, including Boruto: Naruto Next Generations, and Shazam!.
108. Oda
Oda is a Japanese surname of a samurai family with several meanings, including ‘small rice paddy,’ depending on the kanji characters. Regarded as the first ‘Great Unifier’ of Japan, Oda Nobunaga was an influential figure in Japanese history.
109. Odajima
The surname Odajima means ‘small rice paddy island’ in Japanese.
110. Ogawa
Derived from the Japanese kanji characters, the surname Ogawa means ‘small river or stream.’ This surname was borne by Frank H. Ogawa, the first Japanese American to serve on the Oakland City Council.
111. Oguchi
Ōguchi is a Japanese surname that means ‘big mouth or opening,’ while the surname Oguchi means ‘small mouth.’ A notable bearer of this surname was Daihachi Oguchi, a master Japanese drummer who popularized taiko, a type of Japanese drums.
112. Ohara
The surname Ohara either means ‘small field’ or ‘big field’ if written as Ōhara in Japanese. The voice actress of Nobita Nobi from Doraemon, Noriko Ohara, is the well-known name bearing this surname.
113. Ohashi
A locational surname of Japanese origin, Ohashi means ‘big bridge.’ A Japanese manga artist, Mayumi Ōhashi, known for her horror and comedy manga series, such as Ogre Slayer, is the notable person of this surname.
114. Ōishi
Also written as Oishi, this Japanese surname means ‘big stone.’ Borne by Ōishi Yoshio, who was the leader of the Forty-seven Rōnin and the hero of the Chūshingura, is among the notable figures with this surname.
115. Ojima
A variant of the surname Oshima, this surname means ‘big island’ in Japanese. It is borne by a Japanese entrepreneur Susumu Ojima, who founded Huser Co., Ltd, a real estate agency.
116. Oka
Derived from the Japanese language, the surname Oka means ‘hill’ or ‘ridge.’ A notable bearer of this surname was Takeshi Oka who is regarded as the pioneer of astrochemistry.
117. Okabe
The Japanese surname Okabe is derived from the Kanji characters ‘oka’ meaning ‘hill, ridge’ and ‘be’ meaning ‘part, section.’ Yoshiro Okabe, who was the assistant of Thomas Edison, is a notable bearer of this surname.
118. Okada
The surname Okada means ‘hill field’ in Japanese. The 31st Prime Minister of Japan, Okada Keisuke, is among the notable people in history who bore this surname.
119. Okamoto
Originating from Japan, this surname comes from the Japanese kanji characters ‘oka’ meaning ‘hill, ridge’ combined with ‘moto’ meaning ‘base, root, or origin.’ The Japanese painter, Kiichi Okamoto, who was known for making illustrations for children, was a notable bearer with this surname.
120. Okamura
Originating from the Japanese language, this surname means ‘hill village.’ It was borne by Shûtai Okamura, a Japanese bryologist, who identified over 80 species of bryophytes.
121. Okano
The Japanese surname Okano means ‘hill field’ or ‘cherry blossom flower field.’ It was borne by Okano Keijirō, a politician and cabinet minister in the pre-war Empire of Japan.
122. Okawa
Of Japanese origin, the surname Okawa means ‘big river.’ The surname has alternative spelling variants including Ōkawa, Okawa, Ookawa, or Ohkawa. It was borne by one of the Japanese supercentenarians, Misao Okawa who died at the age of 117 years, 27 days.
123. Okayama
Meaning ‘hill mountain,’ this Japanese surname is borne by Amane Okayama, a Japanese actor who appeared in several Japanese movies and TV series.
124. Okazaki
A sweet surname, Okazaki means ‘hill cape’ or ‘peninsula hill’ in Japanese. One of the most prominent figures with this surname was Reiji Okazaki, a pioneer Japanese molecular biologist, who described the role of Okazaki fragments in DNA replication.
125. Oki
The surname Oki is derived from the Old Japanese language, meaning ‘the open sea, offshore.’
126. Oki
Another, popular meaning of the surname Oki is ‘big tree,’ written as 沖 in Japanese. The notable person with this surname is Oki Kibatarō, a businessman from Japan, who founded Meikōsha, renamed as Oki Electric Industry, a company that manufactured the first telephones in Japan in 1881,
127. Oku
The surname Oku is derived from the Japanese language, meaning ‘inside.’ A Japanese Princess during the Asuka period in the 7th century, Princess Ōku, is the most prominent name.
128. Okumura
Derived from the Japanese kanji characters, this surname means ‘inside village or town’ in Japanese. A famous Japanese modern painter of the Nihonga style of watercolor painting, Togyū Okumura, who was awarded the Japanese Order of Culture in 1962, bore this surname.
129. Omori
Also known as Ōmori, this Japanese surname means ‘big forest’ in Japanese. A pioneer Japanese seismologist, Fusakichi Omori, who described Omori’s law of the aftershock rate of earthquakes, bore this surname.
130. Onishi
Also written as Ōnishi, this Japanese surname means ‘great west.’ Tetsunosuke Onishi, who was the coach of the Japan national rugby union team, bore this surname.
131. Ono
The surname Ono, also known as Oono or Ohno is a Samurai clan which means ‘small field’ in Japanese. A samurai and court official of Japan’s Nara period, Ono no Azumabito, during the 8th century, bore this clan name.
132. Ōno
The surname Ōno is also from a Samurai clan, bit is a different Japanese surname, which means ‘large field.’ Ōno no Azumabito, who was the imperial Commander-in-chief during the Nara period of Japan, is a significant bearer of this surname in Japanese history.
133. Onuma
The surname Onuma, also written as Ōnuma or Oonuma, means ‘big swamp or marsh.’ A professional Japanese baseball player, Koji Onuma, bears this surname.
134. Ootake
Meaning ‘big or great bamboo’ Ootake is of Japanese origin. It was borne by Risuke Ōtake, a Japanese martial artist, who was a teaching master of Tenshin Shōden Katori Shintō-ryū bujutsu.
135. Osaki
Also written as Ōsaki, Oosaki, or Ohsaki, this Japanese surname means ‘big peninsula’ or ‘big steep.’ A notable bearer of this surname is Yoshihiko Osaki, who won silver and bronze medals in swimming for Japan at the 1960 Summer Olympics.
136. Oshiro
Ōshiro or Oshiro is a type of Japanese Okinawan surnames and a transliteration of several Japanese surnames. The most popular meaning of this surname is ‘big castle.’ Tatsuhiro Ōshiro, an Okinawan novelist and playwright, was among the most notable bearers of this surname.
137. Ōzora
Meaning ‘big sky’ or ‘vast emptiness,’ Ozora is a Japanese surname. A notable bearer of this surname is Naomi Ōzora, a Japanese voice actress who voiced the character Hana Uzaki in Uzaki-chan Wants to Hang Out!.
138. Osaka
Osaka is a Japanese surname, meaning ‘big hill or slope.’ It is borne by Hiroshi Osaka, a Japanese video game designer and director, known for his work on popular video game series such as ‘Resident Evil.’
139. Ōshima
Originating from the Japanese language, the surname Ōshima means ‘big island.’ A Japanese sculptor and artist, Ōshima Joun, Ōshima Joun, known for his artistry and skill in bronze casting, bore this surname.
140. Ōtake
The surname Otake is of Japanese origin, meaning ‘big bamboo.’ A Japanese Brazilian visual artist, Tomie Ohtake, who was regarded as one of the main representatives of informal abstractionism in Brazil, bore this surname.
141. Ōtani
Meaning ‘big valley,’ the surname Ōtani is of Japanese origin. A general in the Imperial Japanese Army, Otani Kikuzo, who participated in several wars was the notable bearer of this surname.
142. Oto
Meaning ‘great or large wisteria,’ this Japanese surname can also be written as Ohto, Outo, or Otou. A Japanese molecular biology expert, Michiei Oto, who was the first to propose gene literacy education, bears this surname.
143. Ōtsu
Meaning ‘big harbor or seaport,’ Ōtsu is a Japanese surname. It was borne by Toshio Ōtsu who was the first and only governor of the mainland Japanese Karafuto Prefecture.
144. Ōtsuki
Referring to a ‘great tsuki (a type of tree), Ōtsuki is a Japanese surname. Ōtsuki Takeji, who was the founder of the third-largest independent Japanese church, the Holy Ecclesia of Jesus, bore this surname.
145. Ōura
Meaning ‘big bay’ or ‘great inlet,’ the surname Ōura is of Japanese origin. The surname was borne by Ōura Kanetake, a politician and bureaucrat in the late Meiji and early Taishō period of the Empire of Japan.
146. Oya
The surname Oya is derived from the Japanese language, meaning ‘big arrow’ or ‘great house.’ The Japanese professional wrestler, Hisakatsu Oya, is a notable bearer of this surname.
Check more Japanese surnames.
Italian Last Names Starting With O
Many of the Italian surnames are derived from the names of several places in Italy and different geographic features. You can also see occupational surnames and patronymic surnames as we explore the Italian last names starting with O in the below list.
147. Oberdan
A given name and a surname, Oberdan is an Italian-language surname. An Italian irredentist, Guglielmo Oberdan, bore this surname.
148. Oberti
Derived from the given name Uberto, which comes from Hubert of Germanic origin, this surname means ‘bright heart.’ A Roman Catholic prelate, Paolo Oberti of the 16th century bore this surname.
149. Oberto
The surname Oberto is cognate to the surname Oberti with similar etymological roots and meaning. The Italian early Renaissance painter, Francesco di Oberto of the 14th century, bore this surname.
150. Occhipinti
Derived from a nickname of Italian origin, Occhipinti means ‘painted eyes,’ which originally referred to those with dark eyelashes or with flecked or blood-shot eyes. A former Italian singer and journalist, Paolo Occhipinti, bears this surname.
151. Ocone
Ocone is an Italian surname of uncertain origin and meaning. An Italian actress and comedian, Lucia Ocone, is a notable person with this surname.
152. Oddi
The surname Oddi is a patronymic surname and a plural form of the given name Oddo, meaning ‘wealth, fortune’ via the German name Otto. This surname was borne by an Italian painter and architect of the Baroque period, Mauro Oddi
153. Oliva
The surname Oliva means ‘olive’ and is a Spanish, Portuguese, Italian, Malagasy, and Czech surname. The eleventh Superior General of the Society of Jesus, Giovanni Paolo Oliva, bore this surname.
154. Oliveri
Derived from the name Oliver meaning ‘olive tree’ in Latin, Oliveri is an Italian surname. An Italian bishop of the Catholic Church and Bishop Emeritus of Albenga-Imperia, Mario Oliveri, is a notable bearer of this surname.
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155. Olivetti
An Italian surname of unknown meaning, Olivetti was the surname of Luigi Olivetti, an Italian painter and engraver from Rome.
156. Olmo
Derived from the Latin word ‘ulmus,’ meaning ‘elm tree’ in Spanish, Olmo is both a Spanish and Italian surname. An Italian road bicycle racer, Giuseppe Olmo, who won the gold medal in the team road race at the 1932 Olympics bore this surname.
157. Ongaro
Ongaro is a variant of the Italian surname Ungaro, meaning ‘Hungarian’ in Italian was used to refer to someone from Hungary. A notable person with this surname was Alberto Ongaro, who was an Italian journalist, writer, and comics artist.
158. Onofrio
The Italian surname Onofrio is derived from the Desert Fathers, Onuphrius, as mentioned in the Eastern Orthodox. A notable bearer of this surname is Marco Onofrio, an Italian writer, essayist, and literary critic.
159. Onorati
Derived from the Italian word ‘onore,’ meaning ‘honor’ or ‘esteem,’ the surname Onorati indicates someone of honorable or respected lineage. The 18th-century Italian priest, Nicola Onorati, who was also an agronomist and naturalist bore this surname.
160. Onorato
Transferred from a given name Onorato, this Italian surname comes from the Late Roman male name Honoratus, meaning ‘esteemed’ or ‘distinguished.’ An Italian actor, Giovanni Onorato, of the early 20th century, bore this surname.
161. Orazi
Possibly derived from the Italian given name Orazio which comes from the Ancient Roman name Horatius, this surname means ‘hour, time, or season’ via the Latin ‘hora.’
162. Orecchia
Orecchia is an Italian surname that directly translates to ‘ear’ in Italian. It was borne by an Italian professional road bicycle racer, Michele Orecchia.
163. Orengo
Derived from the given name Orengo of ancient Germanic origin, the Italian surname Orengo means ‘powerful army.’
164. Orfei
Orfei is an Italian surname of unknown meaning. An Italian painter of the 19th century, Orfeo Orfei, who helped in the restoration of the frescoes of the Rocca Malatestiana in Cesena, bore this surname.
165. Orgiana
Of unknown origin and meaning, Orgiana is an Italian surname with Benito Orgiana, an Italian politician associated with the Italian Republic party, bearing this surname.
166. Orlando
Derived from the given name Orlando which comes from the Germanic name Roland, Orlando is of Southern Italian origin. Italian statesman, Vittorio Emanuele Orlando, who became the Prime Minister of Italy from 1917-1919, was among the most prominent names with this surname.
167. Orsini
A noble Italian family name originating from an Italian nickname meaning ‘little bear’ in Italian, via the Latin term ‘ursinus’ meaning ‘bearlike.’ Many rulers and cardinals in Italy were from this family clan, including Richard Orsini who was the 13th-century ruler in Italy and the Balkans.
168. Orrico
Originating from the Germanic personal name for males Orrico, the surname Orrico means ‘wealth power.’
169. Orsatti
Derived from the name Orso which comes from the Latin name ‘Ursus’ meaning ‘bear,’ Orsatti is an Italian surname.
170. Orsenigo
The surname Orsenigo is an Italian surname of uncertain origin and meaning. The 14th-century Italian architect and builder, Simone da Orsenigo who was the first chief engineer of the Milan Cathedral in Italy bore this surname.
171. Orsi
The surname Orsi is the patronymic surname and a plural form of the Italian name Orso. A notable bearer of this surname in history includes Prospero Orsi who was the Italian painter of the late Mannerist and early Baroque period.
172. Orso
Of Italian origin, derived from the Italian word ‘orso’ meaning ‘bear,’ it is both an Italian given name and surname. The third Doge of Venice from 726-737, Orso Ipato, was among the earliest bearers of this name in history.
173. Oste
An occupational surname of Italian origin, Oste means ‘innkeeper.’ The surname was borne by Joseph Julian Oste, a Belgian Catholic priest, missionary, and Bishop who served in the Roman Catholic Diocese of Jehol from 1948 to 1971.
174. Ottavi
The Italian surname Ottavi is a plural form of the given name Ottavio, meaning ‘eighth.’ A notable person with this surname was Ottavio Ottavi, an Italian oenologist who played a significant role in the development of nineteenth-century Italian viticulture.
175. Ottone
Derived from the Italian word meaning ‘power,’ Ottone is both a given name and surname in Italy.
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African Last Names Starting With O
The vast continent of Africa includes different African languages and cultures, including Kenya, Eastern Africa, Western Africa, and Ethiopia. So, dive into this collection of some African last names starting with O to explore their origin, history and more.
176. Obama
The surname Obama comes from a rare Luo given name meaning ‘crooked, bent’. It was possibly originally given to a baby who had an arm or leg that looked slightly bent immediately after birth or who was born in the breech position.
177. Obi
Derived from the Igbo ethnic group of Nigeria, the surname Obi means ‘heart’ and is also a male given name. A well-known bearer of this surname is Peter Obi, a Nigerian politician, who was the candidate for President of Nigeria in the 2023 presidential election.
Trivia178. Obiakolam
The surname Obiakolam is of Igbo origin, meaning ‘may I not lack a family or a home’.
179. Odendaal
The surname Odenthal is an African surname derived from the Germanic surname Odenthal, a habitational name derived from the town named Odenthal in Germany.
180. Odhiambo
Transferred from a given name and derived from the Luo language, Odhiambo is a East African surname which means ‘born in the evening.’
181. Okafor
Stemming from the given name Okafor, this Western African surname means ‘boy (born on) Afor’ in Igbo. Here, Afor is the name of one of the four days of Igbo week.
182. Okeke
Originating from the given name Okeke, this Igbo surname means ‘boy (born on) Eke,’ where Eke is one of the four days of Igbo week.
183. Okonkwo
From the given name Okonkwo, this Nigerian surname means ‘boy (born on) Nkwo day of Igbo week’ in Igbo. A Nigerian businessman, Kennedy Okonkwo, who founded and is the CEO of Nedcomoaks, is a well-known person with this surname.
184. Okorie
From the given name Okorie, the surname Okorie means ‘a young man born on orie day of Igbo week.’ A Nigerian singer and songwriter, Patrick Nnaemeka Okorie, stage name Patoranking, is the notable person with this surname.
185. Okoronkwo
The surname Okoronkwo is of Igbo origin, meaning ‘a young man born on Nkwo day of the Igbo week.’ A Nigerian former professional football player, Isaac Okoronkwo, is a famous bearer of this surname.
186. Olayinka
Originating from the Yoruba-language, Olayinka comes from the given name Olayinka, meaning ‘a combination of prestige, success and wealth surrounds me.’ A Nigerian banker and politician, Funmilayo Olayinka, was among the famous bearers of this surname.
187. Omezi
Omezi is a Nigerian surname, which means ‘to do well’ in Igbo.
188. Onai
Derived from the given name Onai, this African surname means ‘see’ or ‘observe’ in Shona language.
189. Ongai
The surname Ongai is derived from the Shona name of Zimbabwe, Vongai, meaning ‘thankful’ or ‘appreciative.’
190. Otieno
Derived from the given name Otieno, this Luo surname means ‘born at night’ and is a popular surname in Kenya. Regarded as one of the most successful keepers in Kenya, Arnold Otieno Origi, a Kenyan professional footballer bears this surname.
191. Ouattara
Derived from a Western African nickname, the surname Ouattara possibly means ‘prince.’ It comes from the name of the Wattara or Watara clan of the Dyula people.
192. Ousmane
Derived from the given name Ousmane, this surname is found in Western Africa, where it is the form of an Arabic name Uthman, meaning ‘baby bustard (a type of large bird)’ in Arabic.
193. Ouyahia
A patronymic surname from Northern Africa, Ouyahia is a Berber surname meaning ‘son of Yahia,’ where the name Yahia has Arabic origin, cognate to the English name John.
194. Owor
Owor is a Ugandan surname of unknown meaning and origin, borne by Paskar Owor, a Ugandan retired middle-distance runner who won a bronze medal for Uganda at the 1998 World Junior Championships.
195. Owusu
Both a surname and a given name for males of Akan origin, Owusu is a Ghanaian surname meaning ‘strong-willed and determined.’ It is borne by Kwesi Owusu, a Ghanaian writer and filmmaker who is regarded as one of Ghana’s leading filmmakers and communications specialists,
Check more African surnames.
Nigerian Last Names Starting With O
Situated in West Africa, Nigeria is a beautiful country with diverse landscapes and cultures, including those of Yoruba, Igbo, Lagos, Hausa, and other ethnic groups. Thus, when exploring the list of Nigerian last names starting with O, you may encounter surnames of these origins.
196. Obasi
The surname Obasi is a Nigerian surname, which means ‘God’ in Jagham, Kenyang and various Ekoid languages. A notable person with this surname is C.J. Obasi, a Nigerian film director, screenwriter and editor who made a zero budget film Ojuju.
197. Odoemene
Originating from the Igbo language of Nigeria, Odoemene is among the rarest Igbo surnames, which means ‘yellow reluctance’ in Igbo.
198. Odutola
Stemming from Yoruba origin, the surname Odutola combines ‘Odu’ meaning ‘destiny, fate’ and ‘tola’ meaning ‘wealthy, rich.’ A prominent Nigerian businessman from Ogun, Adeola Odutola, who was one of the pioneers of modern Nigerian indigenous entrepreneurship, bore this surname.
199. Oderasak
Oderasak is a Yoruban surname from Nigeria, which is originally a mispronounced variation of the surname Oscar in Yoruba.
200. Ogbu
Originating from the Igbo language, Ogbo is both an African given name and family name from Nigeria. It is the surname of Nigerian footballer, Moses Ogbu, who plays for China League One club Nanjing City.
201. Ogun
Derived from the name of the Yoruba god of iron and warfare, this Nigerian surname means ‘war.’
202. Ojo
The Nigerian surname Ojo is of Yoruban origin, meaning ‘troubled birth’ in Yoruba. A Nigerian film actress, musician, director and producer, Ibironke Ojo-Anthony, is a well-known person with this surname.
203. Okon
Okon is a Nigerian surname of Igbo origin, which means ‘a son born at night.’ A 17th century Nigerian King, Akpan Okon, who was the last Obong (king) of Ibom Kingdom, is one of the significant personalities in Nigerian history bearing this surname.
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204. Okoro
Okoro is a Igbo surname that means ‘young man.’ It is diminutive of okorobia. A notable person with this surname is Fidelis Okoro, a Nigerian politician who became the Senator for the Enugu North Senatorial District of Enugu State in 1999.
205. Okoroafor
The Nigerian surname Okoroafor is cognate to Okafor, meaning ‘a young man born on an afor day’ in Igbo. A Nigerian American writer, Nnedi Okorafor, who writes books and novels of science fiction and fantasy genres, bears this surname.
206. Okorocha
The surname Okorocha is of Igbo origin, derived from the combination of Igbo elements Oko and ncha, meaning ‘a fair complexioned male child.’
207. Okoye
Okoye is a traditional family name of Nigerian origin, meaning ‘one who is born on orie market day’. It is the Anambra dialect variant of Okorie. A Berlin-based Nigerian/German independent Animation producer/director, Ebele Okoye, bears this common African surname.
208. Okpara
Originating from Igbo language of Nigeria, Okpara comes from the given name Okpara for males, meaning ‘firstborn child.’ A famous personality with this surname was Michael Okpara, the youngest Premier to hold the office in Eastern Nigeria during the First Republic.
209. Okusanya
Originating from the Yoruban-language of Nigeria, the surname Okusanya means ‘the god of wealth (Oku) has rewarded me for my sufferings.’
210. Oladoyinbo
Oladoyinbo is an Igbo-language surname from Nigeria, which translates to ‘honor surrounds him’ in Igbo. The paramount Yoruba king of Ijebu, Owo in Ondo State, Kofoworola Oladoyinbo Ojomo, is the prominent figure associated with this surname.
211. Olatunji
Derived from the Yoruban language of Nigeria, the surname Olatunji is also a given name, which means ‘Wealth awakes again.’
212. Onyeka
Derived from the Igbo language of Nigeria, the surname Onyeka is a spiritual surname, meaning ‘Who is greater than God.’ Celestina Onyeka, a female Nigerian footballer who played for the Nigeria women’s national football team, bears this surname.
213. Onyemaechi
Derived from the Igbo-labguage of Nigeria, Onyemaechi is a Nigerian surname meaning ‘who knows tomorrow’ in Igbo. A Nigerian footballer, Bruno Onyemaechi, who plays for the Nigeria national team bears this surname.
214. Onyilogwu
Onyilogwu is a rare Nigerian surname of Igbo origin which possibly means ‘he who is invulnerable to dark magic.’
215. Opeyemi
From the African given name Opeyemi, this surname means ‘gratitude is suitable for me’ in Yoruba. A Nigerian professional soccer player, Tijani Luqman Opeyemi, bears this surname.
216. Orelias
The Nigerian surname Orelias is a Latinized version of the name Aurelius, meaning ‘golden.’
217. Orji
The Nigerian surname Orji comes from the given name Orji, which refers to the ‘Iroko tree’ and represents ‘greatness.’ Josephine Orji, a Nigerian professional powerlifter who won gold at the 2016 Summer Paralympics, bears this surname.
218. Otedola
A Yoruban surname from Nigeria, the meaning of Otedola is unknown. A Nigerian disc jockey and producer, Florence Ifeoluwa Otedola with the stage name DJ Cuppy, is the notable bearer of this surname.
219. Oyawale
Also written as Ọyáwálé, the Nigerian surname Oyawale is of Yoruban origin, meaning ‘the river goddess came home’ in Yoruba.
220. Oyekan
Originating from Yoruba, Oyekan is a Nigerian surname which means ‘the next to be crowned’ in Yoruba.
221. Oyinlola
The surname Oyinlola comes from the Yoruban language of Nigeria, which means ‘wealth is sweet’ in Yoruba. A Nigerian singer and songwriter, Adedamola Oyinlola Adefolahan (famously known as Fireboy DML), who got recognized for his breakthrough single ‘Jealous’ is a famous bearer of this surname.
Check more Nigerian surnames.
English Last Names Starting With O
English last names mainly comprise surnames from England, and those that originated from Middle English or Old English (Anglo-Saxons). Check out the surnames below which are commonly found in English-speaking countries.
222. Oakley
A toponymic surname, Oakley means ‘oak clearing’ in Old English. American sharpshooter Annie Oakley (1860-1926) bore this surname.
223. Odell
A habitational surname, Odell was originally used to refer to a person from Odell in Bedfordshire. It is derived from Old English words ‘wad’ meaning ‘woad (a plant that produces a blue dye)’ and ‘hyll’ meaning ‘hill.’
224. Ogden
Ogden is a toponymic surname, derived from the Old English elements ‘ac’ meaning ‘oak’ and ‘denu’ meaning ‘valley.’
225. Ogilvy
Both a surname and a given name, Oglivy is also a Highland Scottish clan. It is derived from the Brittonic element ‘Ocel-fa’ meaning ‘high plain.’ Several members of this clan have been in prominent positions in Scotland, including Sir John Ogilvy, 9th Baronet, who was the MP for Dundee in 1857.
226. Ogle
Ogle is an English surname which is derived from a village named Ogle in Northumberland, England and is used to refer to the Ogle family from this village. Sir Robert Ogle who was the key figure in the 15th century defense of the northern border against the Scots, was a prominent member from this family.
227. Oliverson
A patronym surname, Oliverson means ‘son of Oliver.’ It is borne by an American politician and anesthesiologist, Tom Oliverson.
228. Orchardson
Meaning ‘son of Orchard,’ this patronym surname is derived from an occupational and topographic name and a surname Orchard. It is derived from the Old English word ortgeard or orceard (a compound of wort, wyrt ‘plant’ (later associated with Latin hortus ‘garden’) combined with ‘geard’ meaning ‘yard’ or ‘enclosure.’
229. Ord
Ord is an English and Scottish surname, taken from the name of several places in Northumberland and Scotland. A British lawyer and politician of the 18th century, Robert Ord, was one of the notable bearers of this surname.
230. Orme
Derived from the name of two headlands, Great Orme and Little Orme in Wales, Orme is both a surname and a given name. It is derived from the Middle English personal name Orm that stems from the Old Nordic name ‘Ormr’ meaning ‘snake.’
231. Orpen
A toponymic surname in Anglo-Norman, Orpen comes from Erpen, a French noble of royal descent. It was borne by a British colonial administrator in southern Africa, Joseph Orpen.
232. Orr
Derived from the Gaelic term ‘Odhar’ which means ‘dark’ or ‘pale,’ the surname Orr is of Scottish and Ulster-Scots origin. A Scottish amateur golfer, Edith Orr, who won the Women’s Amateur Championship in 1897, bore this surname.
233. Orton
A habitational surname Orton was derived from the name of several places in England, referring to a family originating from any of these places. It has multiple meanings, including ‘riverbank settlement,’ and ‘settlement in upper area.’ A British surgeon of the 19th century, Reginald Orton, was among the remarkable figures bearing this surname.
234. Osborne
Transferred from the given name Osborn, this surname is derived from the Old English elements ‘os’ meaning ‘god’ and ‘beorn’ meaning ‘warrior,’ or ‘man.’
235. Osbourne
A variant of the surname Osborne, Osbourne is both an English surname and a given name. An American author, Lloyd Osbourne, who authored several novels, including An Intimate Portrait of R L S By His Stepson (1924), was the prominent figure associated with this surname.
236. Otis
The English surname Otis means ‘son of Ode,’ where the name Otis has Germanic roots from the Old High German word ‘ot’ meaning ‘wealth’ or ‘fortune.’
237. Ott
Derived from the given name Otto, the surname Ott has Germanic origin, from the German name Audo, that eventually stems from the Old High German word ‘ot’ meaning ‘wealth’ or ‘fortune.’
238. Oughtred
Also known as Ughtred, Oughtred is an Anglo-Saxon given name and a patronymic surname, meaning ‘son of Uhtred.’ Here, the name Uhtred is derived from the old English name Ūhtrǣd, made with the combination of ‘uht’ meaning ‘twilight’ or ‘dusk’ and ‘ræd’ meaning ‘advice.’
239. Outlaw
The English surname Outlaw simply means ‘outlaw,’ from the Middle English word ‘outlawe.’ Arthur Robert Outlaw, who was the 92nd and 105th mayor of Mobile City in Alabama, was a notable figure associated with this surname.
240. Outterridge
Taken from the Old English given name Uhtric, the surname Outterridge ultimately originates from the Old English words ‘uhta’ meaning ‘pre-dawn’ and ric meaning ‘ruler,’ or ‘king.’
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241. Overton
Indicating someone from one of the various places named Overton in England, this surname means ‘upper settlement’ or ‘riverbank settlement’ in Old English.
242. Owen
Both a surname and a given name, Owen is a variant of Welsh given name Owain, which means ‘noble born’ from the Latin name Eugene. A notable bearer of this surname was Daniel Owen who was considered the foremost Welsh-language novelist of the 19th century.
243. Owens
Meaning ‘son of Owen’ Owens is a patronymic surname, which comes from the given name Owen, meaning ‘noble.’ The 40th Governor of Colorado, Bill Owens, is a notable bearer of this surname.
244. Owston
A variant of Ouston, this habitational name indicated someone hailing from any one of the places named Ouston or Owston in Britain.
245. Oxley
Oxley is a toponym surname, meaning ‘oxen clearing.’ It refers to the inhabitants of Oxley, Staffordshire, or Oxley near Hepworth, West Yorkshire in England. David Oxley who appeared in many English movies, television and stage plays was among the notable bearers of this surname.
Check more English surnames.
French Last Names Starting With O
When looking at the French surname, patronymic and matronymic surnames are mostly observed. Additionally, occupational, descriptive, and geographic surnames are included in French last names. Check out the list below to learn about some of the French last names starting with ‘O.’
246. Oliver
Taken from the given name Oliver, the surname Oliver is derived from the Old French name Olivier, which may mean ‘olive tree’ via the Latin word oliva. A French chef and owner of Le Grand Véfour restaurant in Paris, Raymond Oliver, was a prominent name with this surname.
247. Olivier
The surname Olivier is a French and Dutch surname meaning ‘olive tree’ in French. A French entomologist and botanist, Ernest Olivier, who was a specialist in fireflies (Lampyridae) bore this surname.
248. Ollier
The surname Ollier comes from the Old French personal name Oillard, derived from the combination of Germanic Odilard meaning ‘land possession’ and ‘hard’ meaning ‘hard brave.’ A French surgeon, Louis Léopold Ollier, who was the pioneer in reconstructive surgery and orthopedics during the 19th century bore this surname.
249. Ory
The French surname Ory is the variant of Orry, which is a habitation name derived from a place named Orry-la-Ville in France. It is possibly derived from the given names Aurius or Orius. An American jazz composer, trombonist and bandleader, Edward ‘Kid’ Ory, who was born in a French-speaking family, bore this surname.
250. Ousset
Ousset is a French surname of unknown origin and meaning. A French ideologist of National Catholicism, Jean Ousset, who took part in the Action française monarchist movement in the 1930s, bore this surname.
251. Outhier
The French surname Outhier probably has Germanic roots from the given name Altier. The surname may mean ‘old or wise army,’ derived from the Old Germanic elements ‘ald’ meaning ‘old’ or ‘wise’ combined with ‘hari’ meaning ‘army.’ A French priest, traveler, and writer, Réginald Outhier, of the 18th century, bore this surname.
252. Ouvrard
Of French origin, the surname Ouvard was originally a patronymic name, derived from the Old French word ‘ouvreur’ meaning ‘usher’ or ‘opener.’ A French businessman, Gabriel-Julien Ouvrard, was the notable bearer with this surname.
253. Ozanne
Transferred from a given name, Ozanne is a variant of Osanne, which eventually comes from Hosanna, derived from the Biblical Aramic expression ‘Hosha’ na’ meaning ‘deliver us’ in Hebrew. A notable bearer of this surname is French naval engineer and marine artist of the 18th century, Nicolas Ozanne, who was the author of a naval treatise and creator of a series of 60 views of the ports of France.
Check more French surnames.
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Frequently Asked Questions
1. Can a last name starting with the letter O have multiple origins?
Yes, many last names that start with the letter O have multiple origins. For instance, the surname Obama is both a Japanese and African surname, meaning ‘small beach or seashore’ in Japanese and ‘crooked or bent’ in Luo.
2. Are there famous individuals with last names that start with O?
There have been many famous and significant individuals, from kings and leaders to politicians and actors, throughout history and the modern world with last names that start with O. Some of these names are the 44th President of the United States, Barack Obama, and the 10th century Asturian king of Galicia, Sancho Ordóñez.
3. Could my last name with O be a misspelling of another name?
Yes, there are a few surnames that start with O, which is a misspelled pronunciation or alternate variant of other names. Some of these surnames are, such as Orelias from the name Aurelius.
4. What are some last names starting with O that have spelling variations due to historical reasons or migrations?
Many last names that start with O have spelling variations due to migration or historical reasons. For example, the Irish surname O’Farrell is an altered or anglicized form of the surname Ó Fearghail, which likely originated during the 17th and 19th centuries, along with several other anglicized Irish names. Similarly, Spanish last names such as Olivarez, Olgun, Orduna, and Oceguera are also spelling variants that originated because of regional differences and changes in spelling conventions.
5. What are some compound last names that start with O?
Compound last names that begin with O are not common, but they do exist. Compound surnames, or double-barreled surnames, are commonly seen in Spanish cultures and some American Latino families. Some examples of compound surnames starting with the letter O are Ocasio-Cortez, Ogilvie-Grant, and Ortiz-Luiz.
When looking at last names that start with O, every culture, language, and country has several of them. From occupation surnames such as Orchardson and Osario, to topographic surnames including Okabae, and O’Brien, these surnames include all categories of surnames. While Irish surnames that start with O are mostly patronymic, Japan also has several common surnames with the letter ‘O.’ Through the exploration of these surnames, we have uncovered the familial bonds of Spanish, Irish, and Hispanic surnames, as well as the historical roots of Japanese surnames.
Infographic: Topographic Surnames Starting With The Letter O
Topographic surnames are typically derived from geographical features or landmarks associated with the place where the original bearer of the last name lived. Our infographic below takes you through some distinct topographic surnames starting with the letter ‘O’ and the geographical features they associate with. These surnames come from different regions of the world and reflect the value of local geography in those areas. Scroll down and explore!
Illustration: Momjunction Design Team
References
- Ireland Research Outline.
https://files.lib.byu.edu/family-history-library/research-outlines/Europe/Ireland.pdf - Spanish/Hispanic Surnames.
https://www.dshs.texas.gov/sites/default/files/tcr/training/handbook/Appendix-Spanish-Hispanic-Surnames.pdf - Surnames Of Italy.
https://angelresearch.net/2021/04/12/surnames-of-italy/
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