Olson (also

Olsson Olsson is a common Swedish surname. It is a contraction of the surname Olofsson and it literally means "son of Olof" and seldom also "son of Ola". Notable people with the surname include: * Åke Olsson - Swedish football player * Åke Olsson (c ...

, Oleson, Olsen) is a common

patronymic A patronymic, or patronym, is a component of a personal name based on the given name of one's father, grandfather (more specifically an avonymic), or an earlier male ancestor. It is the male equivalent of a matronymic. Patronymics are used, b ...

surname of Scandinavian origin that literally means "son of

Olaf Olaf or Olav (, , or differences between General American and Received Pronunciation, British ; ) is a Dutch, Polish, Scandinavian and German given name. It is presumably of Proto-Norse origin, reconstructed as ''*Anu-laibaz'', from ''anu'' "ances ...

Ole OLE, Ole or Olé may refer to: * Olé, a cheering expression used in Spain * Ole (name), a male given name, includes a list of people named Ole * Overhead lines equipment, used to transmit electrical energy to trams, trolleybuses or trains Co ...

". Olson may refer to:

Academics

Eric T. Olson (philosopher) Eric Todd Olson is an American philosopher who specializes in metaphysics and philosophy of mind. Olson is best known for his research in the field of personal identity, and for advocating animalism, the theory that persons are animals. Olson ...

, American-born professor of philosophy * Hope A. Olson, library scholar known for her critical analyses of classification systems *

James C. Olson James C. Olson (Bradgate, Iowa, 1917 – August 17, 2005) was an American historian, educator and school administrator; he was president of the University of Missouri System. He had been a vice chancellor at the University of Nebraska and chancello ...

(1917–2005), American historian and 17th president of the University of Missouri System *

James S. Olson James Stuart Olson is an academic and Pulitzer Prize-nominated author. In 1994, he was appointed Distinguished Professor of History at Sam Houston State University in Huntsville, Texas. Olson is the author (or co-author) of over thirty books, pri ...

, American professor of history at Sam Houston State University * Joel Olson (1967–2012), anarchist activist and political theorist * Oscar L. Olson (1872–1956), third President of Luther College in Iowa

Artists and entertainers

Alix Olson Alix L. Olson (born 1975) is an American poet who works exclusively in spoken word. She uses her work to address issues of capitalism, racism, sexism, homophobia, heterosexism, misogyny, and patriarchy. She identifies as a queer feminist. Early ...

(born 1975), American poet *

Candice Olson Candice Olson (born October 27, 1964) is a Canadian designer. She was the host of the Toronto-based home-makeover shows '' Divine Design'' and '' Candice Tells All'', which aired on the W Network in Canada and on HGTV in the United States. Early ...

(born 1964), Canadian interior designer and host of the home makeover show ''Divine Design with Candice Olson'' *

Charles Olson Charles John Olson (27 December 1910 – 10 January 1970) was a second generation modernist United States poetry, American poet who was a link between earlier Literary modernism, modernist figures such as Ezra Pound and William Carlos Williams an ...

(1910–1970), American modernist poet *

Evan Olson Evan Scott Olson (born 1967) is an American rock singer and songwriter based in Greensboro, North Carolina. Professionally known since the early 2000s for his work as a songwriter for film and television, Olson received renewed interest in his ...

(born 1967), rock singer and songwriter *

James Olson (actor) James Olson (October 8, 1930 – April 17, 2022) was an American actor. Early life Olson was born in Evanston, Illinois, on October 8, 1930, and he was a graduate of Northwestern University. From 1952 until 1954, he was a military policeman in t ...

(1930–2022), American actor *

Jenni Olson Jenni Olson (born October 6, 1962) is a writer, archivist, historian, consultant, and non-fiction filmmaker based in Berkeley, California. She co-founded the pioneering LGBT website PlanetOut.com. Her two feature-length essay films — ''The Joy ...

(born 1962), writer, director and documentary filmmaker * Jody Jean Olson, also known as

India Summer India Summer is an American pornographic actress and nude model and a member of the AVN and XRCO Halls of Fame. Her stage name is based on the phrase Indian summer. She also has mainstream acting credits. Career Summer studied towards becomin ...

, American porn actress * John Olson (poet and writer) (born 1947) *

Johnny Olson John Leonard Olson (May 22, 1910 – October 12, 1985) was an American radio personality and television announcer. Olson is perhaps best known for his work as an announcer for game shows, particularly the work he did for Mark Goodson-Bill Todman P ...

(1910–1985), American radio personality and television announcer *

Kaitlin Olson Kaitlin Willow Olson McElhenney (born August 18, 1975) is an American actress and comedian. She is best known for her role as Deandra "Sweet Dee" Reynolds in the FX comedy series ''It's Always Sunny in Philadelphia'' (2005–present). She curr ...

(born 1975), American actress *

Mark Olson (musician) Mark John Olson (born September 18, 1961) is an American musician and singer-songwriter. He was a founding member of alternative country bands The Jayhawks and the Original Harmony Ridge Creekdippers. Career Olson was born in Minneapolis, Min ...

(born 1961), American country singer-songwriter *

Martin Olson Martin Olson (born April 2, 1956) is an American comedy writer, television producer, author and composer. He is known for his unusual subject matter, and is an original member of the Boston Comedy Scene. He is the father of actress Olivia Olson. ...

(born 1956) American comedy writer *

Nancy Olson Nancy Ann Olson (born July 14, 1928) is an American retired actress. She was nominated for an Academy Award for Best Supporting Actress for her role in ''Sunset Boulevard (film), Sunset Boulevard'' (1950). She co-starred with William Holden in ...

(born 1928), American actress *

Olivia Olson Olivia Olson (born May 21, 1992) is an American actress, singer-songwriter, and writer, largely known for her voice roles as Vanessa Doofenshmirtz in ''Phineas and Ferb'' and Marceline the Vampire Queen in ''Adventure Time''. She also played ...

(born 1992), American singer-songwriter and actress *

Scott Olson Scott Olson is an American guitarist, bassist, music producer and recording engineer. He played guitar with Heart between 1995 and 1998 and between 2002 and 2003, and in 1996 he performed with Alice In Chains on their ''MTV Unplugged'' concert ...

, guitarist, bassist, and recording engineer

Athletes

Benji Olson Benjamin Dempsey Olson (born June 5, 1975) is an American former professional football player who was a guard for 10 seasons in the National Football League (NFL). He played college football College football is gridiron football that is p ...

(born 1975), former National Football League (NFL) player * Bob Olson, American collegiate football player * Carl

Bobo Olson Carl "Bobo" Olson (July 11, 1928 – January 16, 2002) was an American boxing, boxer. He was the World Middleweight champion between October 1953 and December 1955, the longest reign of any champion in that division during the 1950s. His nickname ...

, (1928–2002), American boxer * Dante Olson (born 1997), American football player *

Drew Olson Drew Martin Olson (born April 6, 1983) is an American former professional football player who was a quarterback in the National Football League (NFL) and NFL Europe. He played college football for the UCLA Bruins. Olson was signed by the Balti ...

(born 1983), NFL quarterback * Evan Olson (rower) (born 1997), American rower *

Greg Olson (baseball) Gregory William Olson (born September 6, 1960) is an American former professional baseball player. He played in Major League Baseball (MLB) as a catcher from 1989 to 1993 for the Minnesota Twins and the Atlanta Braves. Olson was selected to the ...

(born 1960), Major League Baseball (MLB) catcher *

Gregg Olson Greggory William Olson (born October 11, 1966) is an American former professional baseball player, coach, scout and television sports commentator. He played in Major League Baseball (MLB) as a right-handed pitcher from 1988 through 2001, most ...

(born 1966), MLB pitcher *

Josh Olson Joshua R. Olson is an American screenwriter and podcaster, known for writing the 2005 film ''A History of Violence''. Career Olson wrote and directed the low budget horror film ''Infested'' in 2002. He wrote the screenplay for the 2005 film ' ...

(born 1981), American ice hockey player * Karl Olson (1930–2010), MLB outfielder *

Lute Olson Robert Luther "Lute" Olson (September 22, 1934 – August 27, 2020) was an American basketball coach, who was inducted into both the Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame and the National Collegiate Basketball Hall of Fame. He was the head co ...

(1934–2020), former basketball coach *

Matt Olson Matthew Kent Olson (born March 29, 1994) is an American professional baseball first baseman for the Atlanta Braves of Major League Baseball (MLB). He has previously played in MLB for the Oakland Athletics. Olson was drafted by the Athletics i ...

(born 1994), MLB first baseman *

Reese Olson William Reese Olson (born July 31, 1999) is an American professional baseball pitcher for the Detroit Tigers of Major League Baseball (MLB). He made his MLB debut in 2023. Career Early career Olson was born in Gainesville, Georgia, and attended ...

(born 1999), MLB pitcher * Sasha Olson (born 1976), Canadian softball player *

Tyler Olson (baseball) Tyler Ray Olson (born October 2, 1989) is an American former professional baseball pitcher. He played in Major League Baseball (MLB) for the Seattle Mariners, New York Yankees, and Cleveland Indians. Amateur career Olson attended University High ...

(born 1989), American baseball player

Politicians and government officials

* Alec G. Olson (born 1930), American politician * Allen I. Olson (born 1938), American politician *

Bud Olson Horace Andrew "Bud" Olson (October 6, 1925 – February 14, 2002) was a Canadian businessman and politician from Alberta. He served as the 14th Lieutenant Governor of Alberta from 1996 to 2000. He also served as a Member of Parliament, S ...

(1925–2002), Canadian Member of Parliament, Senator and Lieutenant Governor * Conrad P. Olson (1882–1952) American judge and politician * Conrad Olson (Minnesota politician) (1895–1953), American politician and lawyer *

Culbert Olson Culbert Levy Olson (November 7, 1876 – April 13, 1962) was an American lawyer and politician who served as the 29th governor of California from 1939 to 1943. A member of the Democratic Party (United States), Democratic Party, Olson was previous ...

, (1876–1962), American politician *

Donovan Olson Donovan Olson (born June 12, 1965) is a former Iowa State Representative from the 48th District. A Democrat, he served in the Iowa House of Representatives from 2003 until 2011, when he lost re-election to Republican Chip Baltimore. He received ...

(born 1965), American politician * Edgar Olson (1937–2020), American politician * Floyd B. Olson (1891–1936), American politician * George W. Olson (1897–1958), American farmer and politician * Judy Olson Duhamel (born 1939), American politician and educator *

Kurt Olson Kurt Edward Olson (March 24, 1948 – November 9, 2023) was an American politician who was a Republican member of the Alaska House of Representatives, representing the 30th District from 2005 until 2017. He served as Chair of the Labor & Commer ...

(1948–2023), American politician *

Mark Douglas Olson Mark Douglas Olson was an American politician who served as a member of the Minnesota House of Representatives from district 16B, first elected in 1992. After his re-election in 2006, Olson was arrested and subsequently convicted of domestic assau ...

, American politician * Mark W. Olson (1943–2018), American economist and bank executive * Ole H. Olson (1872–1954), American politician *

Pete Olson Peter Graham Olson (born December 9, 1962) is an American politician who served as the U.S. representative for from 2009 to 2021. His district included much of southern Houston, as well as most of the city's southwestern suburbs such as Katy, ...

(born 1962), American politician *

Ralph O. Olson Ralph O. Olson (March 26, 1902 – January 15, 1955) was a justice of the Washington Supreme Court from 1951 until his death in 1955. Early life and education Olson was born in Alden, Minnesota, and earned his bachelor's degree at Carleton Col ...

(1902–1955), associate justice of the Washington Supreme Court *

Theodore Olson Theodore Bevry Olson (September 11, 1940 – November 13, 2024) was an American lawyer who served as the 42nd solicitor general of the United States from 2001 to 2004 in the administration of President George W. Bush. He previously served as t ...

(born 1940), American politician * William Olson (1873–1931), American politician

Scientists and engineers

Everett C. Olson Everett Claire Olson (November 6, 1910 – November 27, 1993) was an American zoologist, paleontologist, and geologist noted for his seminal research of origin and evolution of vertebrate animals. Through his research studying terrestrial verte ...

(1910–1993), American zoologist, paleontologist, and geologist *

Frank Olson Frank Rudolph Emmanuel Olson (July 17, 1910 – November 28, 1953) was an American bacteriologist, biological warfare scientist, and an employee of the United States Army Biological Warfare Laboratories (USBWL) who worked at Camp Detrick (no ...

(1910–28, 1953), American biological warfare scientist *

Harry F. Olson Dr Harry Ferdinand Olson, E.E., Ph.D. (December 28, 1901 – April 1, 1982) was a prominent engineer and inventor with RCA Victor, the Acoustic Research Director of RCA#Diversification, RCA Laboratories, Princeton, and a pioneer in the field of 20 ...

(1901–1982), American acoustic engineer * Jean Olson Lanjouw (1962–2005), American economist * John Melvin Olson (1929–2017), American biochemist, pioneering researcher in photosynthesis *

Mancur Olson Mancur Lloyd Olson Jr. (; January 22, 1932 – February 19, 1998) was an American economist and political scientist who taught at the University of Maryland, College Park. His most influential contributions were to new institutional economics, ...

, Jr. (1932–1988), American economist and social scientist *

Storrs L. Olson Storrs Lovejoy Olson (April 3, 1944 – January 20, 2021) was an American biologist and ornithologist who spent his career at the Smithsonian Institution, retiring in 2008. One of the world's foremost avian paleontologists, he was best known ...

(1944–2021), American biologist, ornithologist and avian paleontologist

Soldiers

* Eric T. Olson (born 1952), American admiral and commander of United States Special Operations Command * Magnus Olson (Swedish Army officer) (1929–2018) * Norman E. Olson (1915–1944), American World War II flying ace * Sven-Olof Olson (1926–2021), Swedish Air Force lieutenant general *

Truman O. Olson Truman O. Olson (October 13, 1917 – January 31, 1944) was a United States Army sergeant who was posthumously awarded the United States military's highest decoration, the Medal of Honor, for his actions in World War II. Olson was born on October ...

(1917–1944), United States Army soldier posthumously awarded the Medal of Honor

Writers and commentators

Barbara Olson Barbara Kay Olson (née Bracher; December 27, 1955September 11, 2001) was an American lawyer and conservative television commentator who worked for CNN, Fox News Channel, and several other outlets. She was a passenger on American Airlines Flight ...

(1955–2001), television commentator, 9/11 victim, wife of Theodore Olson *

Lisa Olson Lisa Olson is an American sports journalist. Her work has been featured in the anthology, "The Best American Sports Writing". She was previously a sports columnist for the ''New York Daily News'', and the first female sports columnist for the ''S ...

, American sportswriter *

Sigurd F. Olson Sigurd Ferdinand Olson (April 4, 1899 – January 13, 1982) was an American writer, environmentalist, and advocate for the protection of wilderness. For more than thirty years, he served as a wilderness guide in the lakes and forests of the Que ...

(1899–1982), American author and environmentalist *

Walter Olson Walter K. Olson (born 1954) is an American author and blogger who writes mostly about legal subjects, including tort reform. Olson is a senior fellow of the Cato Institute, a libertarian think tank in Washington, D.C. Formerly, Olson was associated ...

(born 1954), author and blogger

Playboy Playmates

* Gale Olson (born 1947) * Hope Olson (born 1956) *

Kalin Olson __NOTOC__ The following is a list of Playboy Playmates of 1997. ''Playboy'' magazine names its Playmate of the Month each month throughout the year. January Jami Ferrell (born June 20, 1974, in Muncie, Indiana) is an American model and actress. ...

(born 1975)

Other

* Annette Olson, Miss North Dakota 2006 * Arthur David Olson, founding contributor of the

tz database The tz database is a collaborative compilation of information about the world's time zones and rules for observing daylight saving time, primarily intended for use with computer programs and operating systems. Paul Eggert has been its editor an ...

* Clifford Olson (1940–2011), Canadian serial killer * Dwight C. Olson (late 20th century), founder of Data Securities International *

Jim Olson Jim Olson, FAIA (b. 1940) is the founding principal of the Seattle-based firm Olson Kundig Architects. He is best known for residential design, often for art collectors, though his designs have also included museums, commercial spaces and places o ...

, Seattle architect * Joy Olson, American humanitarian *

Michael Fors Olson Michael Fors Olson (born June 29, 1966) is an American prelate of the Roman Catholic Church. He has been serving as bishop of the Roman Catholic Diocese of Fort Worth, Diocese of Fort Worth in Texas since 2014. Biography Early life and educat ...

(born 1966), American Catholic bishop * Norman Olson (born 1946), American militia movement activist *

Sara Jane Olson Sara Jane Olson (born Kathleen Ann Soliah, January 16, 1947) is an American far-left activist who was a member of the Symbionese Liberation Army (SLA) in 1975. The group disbanded and she was a fugitive for decades before being arrested. In 200 ...

, former member of the Symbionese Liberation Army