Surname Olds - Meaning and Origin
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read moreOlds: What does the surname Olds mean?
The surname Olds is of Anglo-Saxon origin and derives from the Old English word "Eald," meaning old or ancient. It was commonly used as a baptismal name 'the son of Eald', which evolved to Ald, Aldis, and then to Olds, pronounced in a variety of ways over time. Olds may also be an occupational surname for an elder or wise man, distinguished by age or experience, in a village or community. The name would typically refer to the senior of two bearers of the same personal name, usually a father and son. This surname duly became a hereditary name passed down through generations. It's linked to the geographical distribution in the southwest of England, particularly in Devon and Somerset. Like many surnames, over centuries, it has evolved and been influenced by social and cultural changes, leading to various spellings and pronunciations. Therefore, the Olds surname can represent longevity, ancient lineage, and wisdom or experience within a community.
Order DNA origin analysisOlds: Where does the name Olds come from?
The last name Olds is most common in the United States, with more than 9,700 people having the surname. It is most prominent in the Midwest and Mid-Atlantic states, including Illinois, Michigan, New York, Pennsylvania, and Ohio. It is also commonly found in Canada, with about 2,400 individuals having the surname.
The last name Olds originated in southwestern England, from a surname derived from the Old English word “old” or “eald,” meaning “old.” The name was used to describe someone who was elderly, or someone who had been living for a long time in the same area.
The Olds family migrated to North America in the 16th and 17th centuries, and the name became even more widespread as they migrated to different regions of the U.S. The earliest recorded individuals with the name in the U.S. were named Henry Olds and Thomas Olds who settled in Virginia in the early 1700s. By the 1890 Census, Olds had become the 385th most common surname in the U.S.
The Olds family also played an important role in U.S. history. Ransom Elihu Olds, the founder of Oldsmobile, was one of the earliest pioneers of the automotive industry. His grandson, David Dwight Olds, was a World War II veteran who posthumously received the Medal of Honor for his heroism in the Battle of Okinawa.
Today, the Olds surname is still thriving, and many individuals with the surname continue to enjoy great success in various fields.
Variations of the surname Olds
The surname Olds is mainly derived from the Old English pre-7th century word "wold" meaning a "rise in ground, or open country", or more figuratively, a "hill, or area of higher land". It was also used to describe "woodland, or uncultivated land".
Variants of this surname include Old, Olde, Older, Oldes, and Ould. In addition, Oldast and Oldis can also be found in some circumstances. Other less common variants include Eolds, Ooldes, Auld, Ollds, Oldashes, and Oldys.
The Dutch and Swedish spelling of the surname is usually Ols, while the Scandinavian version is usually Hols or Holst. In some cases, it may also be spelled as Hult or Holt. Additionally, the surname may be found in the form of Houlds or Holts.
The surname Olds may also have evolved into many other surnames as a result of dialect or phonetic spelling. These surnames include Oldak, Oles, Oleson, Olsson, Olaveson, Olbrich, Olöv, and Oldakowski.
Olds is an old surname that has stood the test of time and evolved into many variants and spellings over the centuries. The origins of the surname are still debated, yet many of its derivatives and variants can all be traced back to one source.
Famous people with the name Olds
- Ransom Eli Olds: The American entrepreneur who founded Oldsmobile was the first to use an assembly line to mass-produce automobiles.
- Matthew Olds: Professional skateboarder sponsored by DC Shoes who has been a part of the skateboarding industry since 1988.
- Kyle Olds: Marine Corps veteran and full-time entrepreneur who is the founder and president of the strength and conditioning program “Old School Athlete”.
- Victor Willis: The original lead singer of the 1970s disco band The Village People once known as the "cop" and also known as Victor Edward Willis.
- David Olds: Distinguished social scientist and theorist, best known for his work on preventive interventions for children and families.
- James Fenimore Olds: Professor emeritus of pediatrics at the University of Washington Medical School.
- Lee Roy Olds: NASCAR racer and member of the National Motorsports Press Association Hall of Fame from Cottonwood, Minnesota.
- Ryan Olds: Singer, songwriter, musician, producer and founding member of the rock band "The Electric Fire".
- Aaron Olds: Musician and bassist for the alternative rock band "Rising Chaos".
- Christopher Olds: Professional chef and restaurateur who is best known for his French-American cuisine.