Orson

boyNorman French

Orson is a boy name of Norman French, from Latin origin, meaning “Bear cub”.

MeaningBear cub
GenderBoy
OriginNorman French, from Latin
PronunciationOR-sun
TraditionModern & Classic
Used inUnited States, United Kingdom

Meaning and origin of Orson

Orson comes from the Norman French ourson, 'little bear', from the Latin ursus, 'bear'. It appears in the medieval romance Valentine and Orson, in which Orson is raised by a bear. The most famous bearer is Orson Welles, the director of Citizen Kane. The name is uncommon but has a distinctive, slightly old-fashioned charm.

Is Orson a religious name?

Orson has no religious background; it is a French nickname that became a given name.

How popular is Orson?

Rare but growing modestly.

Gifts with the name Orson

As an Amazon Associate we earn from qualifying purchases. We may earn a small commission from these links, at no extra cost to you.

Spellings and variants of Orson

UrsonOrsino

Names similar to Orson

More boy names

Frequently asked questions

What does the name Orson mean?

Orson means 'Bear cub'. It is of Norman French, from Latin origin.

Does Orson have a religious meaning?

Orson has no religious background; it is a French nickname that became a given name.

How do you pronounce Orson?

Orson is pronounced OR-sun.

Is Orson a boy or girl name?

Orson is usually a boy name.

Updated October 2026. Spotted a mistake? Tell us.