Orson is a distinctive boys' name in United States, ranking #8212 in 1998 with 7 recorded births. The name reached its all-time peak in 2023 with 132 births ranking #1399. Since 1996, the popularity has decreased by 12.5%. In 1998, approximately 1 in every 273,045 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.