Orson is a moderately popular boys' name in England & Wales, ranking #374 in 2024 with 115 recorded births. This places Orson in the top 6% of ranked UK boys' names for the year. Its actual usage is classified as Moderately Popular. The name reached its all-time peak in 2021 with 119 births ranking #375. Since 1996, the popularity has increased by 3,733.3%. In 2024, approximately 1 in every 2,416 boys born was named Orson. STABLE Recent data shows the name is currently stable.
Orson is a compact literary name usually explained as bear cub. It feels unusual but well formed, with a sturdy, slightly old-fashioned charm.
The name is known from medieval romance and later from figures such as Orson Welles. Its rarity has helped it stay distinctive without feeling invented.