Surname Osborn - Meaning and Origin

Osborn: What does the surname Osborn mean?

The surname Osborn is an English name derived from the Old Norse personal name Asbiorn, which is made up of two elements, ‘As’ mean ‘God’ and ‘biorn’ meaning ‘bear’. Osborn is considered to be an occupational name as well, as it could have been given to someone who worked for a man named Osborn or who hailed from the estate of Osborn.

The earliest records of the surname Osborn date back to the 11th century, where it was recorded in the 1176 'Curia Regis Rolls' for County Essex as Osbern. Over the centuries, the name Osborn has had various spellings, and has been seen spelled as Osberne, Osburn and Osbourne.

Osborn is a strong personal name which conveys power and strength. It is still relatively common in English-speaking countries, although it is seen more in North America than in Great Britain, where the name is less common. In the United States, Osborn ranked as the 708th most popular surname in 2018, according to the US Census Bureau.

In general, the name Osborn reflects loyalty, toughness, and hard work. This is reflected in many people of the Osborn surname who have become successful in a wide range of fields. No matter how the spelling of the surname has changed over the centuries, the meaning remains the same - bearer of God, and one who is strong and loyal.

Osborn: Where does the name Osborn come from?

The last name Osborn is most commonly found in the United States, where it ranks as the 530th most common surname. It is particularly well represented in the states of North Dakota, Ohio, and Wisconsin, where it is in the top 200 surnames. However, it is widely spread across the country overall.

Osborn is a fairly common name in Great Britain too, particularly in England where it ranks as the 273rd most common surname. It is most frequently found in the region of London, and particularly in the London Boroughs. There is also a notable presence in East Anglia and the East Midlands.

Osborn is also found in other parts of Europe, including France and Germany. In France, it is the 875th most common surname, and in Germany it ranks as the 2164th most common.

It is also found in small numbers in Australia, New Zealand, South Africa, and Canada. In Australia, Osborn is the 2209th most common name and in New Zealand it is the 3191st most common. In South Africa, it is the 3897th most common name, and in Canada, it is the 8227th most common.

Altogether, the last name Osborn is a widely distributed surname across the English-speaking world.

Variations of the surname Osborn

The surname Osborn is an English surname of Anglo-Saxon origin that is derived from the Old English personal name Osbeorn. It is also sometimes found spelled as Osburn, Osbourne, Osborn, Osborne, Osbourne, Ozbourn, Ozborn, or Ozborne.

The original meaning of the name Osborn is believed to be that of a “god-bear” or “god-given bear”. This refers to the Old English god Beorh, a god of the hunt. It is thought that the name was initially used as a nickname for someone who was strong or brave, like a bear. It is also believed that the name itself may have been derived from an ancient personal name like Osbeorna, Osgy, or Osward.

The earliest Osborn records date back to the 12th century in England. Throughout the years, the name has spread to other parts of Europe, North America, and beyond. Its variants can be found all over the world, in countries like France (Ozborn), Ireland (Ozbourn), Scotland (Osbourn), and Canada (Osborne).

Several notable bearers of the surname Osborn include the American journalist Silas Bent, the banker James Osborne, and the British actress Samantha Osborn. There are also two towns in England that bear the name: Osborn in Oxfordshire and Osborn in Suffolk.

The surname Osborn, with all its variants, is a reflection of its ancient roots and its lengthy history. For centuries, the name has been found around the world, often taking on various spellings depending on the geographic region and the family’s traditions.

Famous people with the name Osborn

• Norman Osborn, a fictional supervillain from Marvel Comics.
• Brian Osborn, an American professional basketball player.
• Ted Osborn, an American basketball coach.
• David Osborn, an American CEO and entrepreneur.
• Ozzy Osbourne, an English musician and songwriter .
• Harry Osborn, a fictional character in the Spiderman comics.
• Doug Osborn, an American filmmaker, producer and director .
• James Osborn, an American Brigadier General.
• David Osborn, Canadian professional soccer player.
• Emily Osborn, an American academic and author.
• John Osborn, an American film and television actor.
• Tony Osborn, a former American professional boxer and Olympic boxer.
• Sarah Osborn, an American author, preacher, and religious leader.
• Kenny Osborn, an American professional bodybuilder and actor.
• Sam Osborn, an American film and television actor.
• Keith Osborn, a former professional Australian rules footballer.
• Grant Osborn, an Australian professional sports player and coach.
• Chris Osborn, an English professional football player.
• Isaiah Osborn, a former American professional football player.
• Gilbert Osborn, an American actor.

Other surnames

Osborne