Orson is a distinctive boys' name in United States, ranking #6011 in 2006 with 14 recorded births. The name reached its all-time peak in 2023 with 132 births ranking #1399. Since 1996, the popularity has increased by 75.0%. In 2006, approximately 1 in every 146,794 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.