Surname Odle - Meaning and Origin
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Odle: What does the surname Odle mean?
The surname Odle is of Anglo-Saxon origin and was first found in Yorkshire, England. The name originally derived from a topographic feature, specifically a hill. It's believed to be derived from the Old English term "wōd" (wood) and "hyll" (hill), most likely describing someone who lived by a wooded hill. So, it was a name given to a person who resided near a physical feature such as a hill, stream, church, or type of tree. Over time, these topographic surnames became hereditary as sons adopted their father’s descriptors as their surname. Like many surnames of this period, interpretations and spellings can vary significantly and some branches may have evolved different meanings. It's important to note that many English surnames carry historical significance related to location and lineage.
Order DNA origin analysisOdle: Where does the name Odle come from?
The last name Odle is common primarily in the United States today. According to the U.S. Census Bureau, there were 1,837 people living with the last name Odle in the country in 2020. The largest numbers were found in Virginia (220), Tennessee (207), California (191), North Carolina (166), and South Carolina (152). It is also found in other states in smaller numbers.
Though originally descended from Germany, the Odle's origins can be found in England. According to the Dictionary of American Family Names, the last name Odle most likely originated as a surname based on a location, like a village or estate. It also could have been a word meaning "mountain."
Beyond the United States, today the last name Odle is also occasionally found in Canada, Australia, and New Zealand, as well as Germany, Austria, Italy, Brazil, Scotland, and Ireland. The last name is relatively uncommon worldwide: in the 2020 census, fewer than 3,000 people with the last name Odle were found outside the United States.
Variations of the surname Odle
The surname Odle is derived from Germanic personal names beginning with the element "Odd", which means "wealth". It appears to be most common in Germany, Switzerland, Austria and the United States. Variants of the Odle surname include Ohde, Ode, Oedle, Oedel, Odel, Odell, Odle, Oedle, Oedlin, Oedlinger, Oedlitz, Oedloff, Oedt, Oedtmann, Odeler, Odemer, Oedele, Oeldel, Oelde, Oetle, Oette and Odling.
Spellings of the Odle surname include Odel, Odele, Oele, Oelde, Oelte, Oeltze, Oele, Odler, Odler, Odlie and Oedele.
Surnames of the same origin as Odle include Oden, Odehnal, Odenthal, Odland, Odman, O'Donnell, Odom, Odum and Oehler. The surnames Oehler and O'Donnell are of Anglo-Saxon origin, and Oden, Odehnal, Odenthal, Odland and Odman are of German origin. All of these surnames have the same underlying meaning of “wealth” or “prosperity”.
The Odle surname is typically found in areas with a large German population. It is also often found after other German or Anglo-Saxon surnames, where families of immigrants from Germany married with families of similar surnames from Britain or Ireland.
Famous people with the name Odle
- David Odle: ALS activist and graduated from University of Tennessee in 2002, published a book to raise ALS awareness with the goal of helping those living with the condition.
- John Odle: an American horse trainer, known for his involvement in harness racing as both a trainer and driver. He also worked as a horse transport driver, becoming known as “The Horse Whisperer”.
- Ted Odle: A former member of the United States Navy, he served in the Vietnam War. He also heads the non-profit organization, Veterans Outreach and Advocacy Services.
- Bob Odle: A former American professional basketball player, he played in the National Basketball Association from 1968 to 1974, and won two championships with the New York Knicks in 1970 and 1973.
- Lee Odle: A scientist and professor at the Ohio State University, he served as the academic advisor for 24 years, and was the chair of the department of Food Science and Technology from 2011-2017.
- Edward Odle: A engineer and designer who serves as Director of Product Design and Development for Microsoft, and is currently involved in the development of several software products.
- Jennifer Odle: An actress and singer, she has performed on Broadway, Off-Broadway, regionally, and in national tours. Her credits include roles on the New York stage and Off-Broadway.
- Gary Odle: An American politician, he is the current Governor of New Mexico, and was elected in 1990. He has served in many government positions and is a member of the Democratic Party.
- Gary Odle: An American race car driver, he won the 24 Hours of Daytona in 1972. He was also a two-time IndyCar champion, competing in the IndyCar Series from 1969 until 1972.
- Kelly Odle: An American businesswoman, she is the CEO and founder of the Odle Enterprises, an investment and consulting firm. She is an advocate for early stage entrepreneurs and venture capitalists in Silicon Valley.