Orson is a distinctive boys' name in United States, ranking #3506 in 2012 with 31 recorded births. The name reached its all-time peak in 2023 with 132 births ranking #1399. Since 1996, the popularity has increased by 287.5%. In 2012, approximately 1 in every 61,181 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.