The name Orson is a boy's name of Latin origin meaning "bear cub". Orson and is often added to lists like Best Cool Unusual Boys' Names and discussed in our forums with posts like "Switcher Machine".
From the experts:
Orson has had in the past a rotund teddy-bear image, a la Orson Welles, who early on dropped his common given name of George in favor of his more distinctive middle one, and who seemed to own it during his lifetime. No longer a single-person signature, it's now an interesting possibility for any parent seeking an unusual yet solid name. It's started to appear to the celeb set--both Paz Vega and Lauren Ambrose have little Orsons.
The comic actor Orson Bean was born Dallas; there was a Desperate Housewives character called Orson Hodge.
There's also a fifteenth century story about two brothers named Valentine and Orson, in which the latter was carried off by a bear and raised as one of its cubs.
Lists containing Orson:
- Hot Celebrity Baby Names
- Geek Chic Names for Boys
- Cool Names with a Strong O
- Best Boy Names Starting with Vowels
- Yupster Baby Names for Boys
- Supermodel Baby Names
- Hipster Baby Names
- Unique Baby Names: Unusual and Rare
- Vintage Baby Names
- Names with Animal Meanings
- Best Cool Unusual Boys' Names
- Soap Opera Baby Names
- Son Baby Names
- Cool Classic Boys’ Names — 100+ below the Top 1000
- Unique Boy Names
- Bold Bohemian Names for Boys
Comments
NerdyNameGeek Says:
Essa Says:
In my opinion, that just makes it more wearable, but it's definitely uncommon enough to stand out amongst the crowd of '-n' names.
Essa Says:
Is the meaning of this not just the cutest!? Love the idea of using it as a nickname. I'm tempted by Bear but also curious about the nickname Cub and at a slight push you could use Teddy.
indiefendi2 Says:
I like Orson with the nickname Bear.
loverofnames01 Says:
Sounds like arson
littlepenelope Says:
I really like Orson as well. But I don't think I'd use it because there are sooo many 'ends in N' names in my children's daycare, that I fear it just blends in with the Austin, Bryson, Landen, etc. Although, maybe that makes it more wearable.
Orson Says:
:)
Orson Says:
Thanks man
Catherine Rose Says:
I really want to like this name. But as a French-speaker I can't get over the fact that it is just a mispronunciation of the French word.
katinka Says:
I don't usually like -son names, but I really like Orson! It doesn't feel trendy at all - it feels smart, cool and lovable, and the meaning is adorable!
madehatter Says:
Definitely an easy mistake considering Orson Welles full name is George Orson Welles!
Love this name and it's meaning!
kpearl8 Says:
Right, duh. I always get those names mixed up...
Ren Says:
Uhh...George Orwell wrote 1984. Different person.
headintheclouds Says:
The "watching you" part is definitely Orson Wells! Still not sure how creepy Orson the orthodontist popped up though xD
kpearl8 Says:
Probably Orson Wells- author of 1984
headintheclouds Says:
I don't know where this image comes from, but to me Orson makes me think of creepy orthodontists that are "watching you". Just makes me shudder.
Theodora_Phoenix Says:
A more unusual son name plus the cool initial O.
clairels Says:
I grew up with US Acres and Garfield, so this name says "oink" to me. Sorry.
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Ehh, too close to Arson for me.