Olsen [ˈoːˀlsn̩] is a Danish-Norwegian patronymic surname meaning "son of Ole". The surname Olesen [ˈoːləsn] has a similar origin. The Swedish parallel form is Olsson – "son of Ola". Danish and Norwegian immigrants to English-speaking countries often changed the spelling to Olson in order to accommodate English orthographic rules.
Notable people with the surname include:
Anton Olsen, Spanish-American War Medal of Honor recipientBen Olsen (born 1977), American soccer playerBjørnar Olsen Norwegian archaeologistBrian Olsen (born 1975), American mixed martial artistCarsten Olsen, Danish plant ecologist and physiologistCharles Olsen, American poet renowned for his provocative style and large body of worksFrances Olsen (born 1945), American law professor at UCLA, feminist law scholar.Greg Olsen (disambiguation), multiple peopleGregory Olsen (born 1945), American entrepreneur and scientist, space touristHarold Olsen (1895–1953), American college sports coachHelle Olson, better known as Helle Helle, Danish writer born 1965Jens Olsen (1872–1945), Danish clockmaker and locksmithJohn Olsen (born 1928), Australian artistJohn Olsen, 42nd Premier of South AustraliaKen Olsen (1926–2011), American engineer, co-founder of Digital Equipment CorporationKristoffer Olsen (1883–1948), a Norwegian sailor who competed in the 1920 Summer OlympicsLarry Olsen (disambiguation), multiple peopleLisa Olsen (born 1956), Canadian skydiverMartin Olsen, Danish boxerMerlin Olsen, Hall of Fame NFL American football player and TV color commentatorMichael Olsen (disambiguation), multiple peopleNiels Olsen, original name of Cornelius Cruys, 17th Century Norwegian-Dutch admiral in the Russian serviceOle Olsen (disambiguation), multiple peoplePeder Olsen Walløe (1716–1793), Danish-Norwegian Arctic explorerPenelope Diane Olsen, Australian ornithologist and authorPeter B. Olsen (1848–1926), American politicianRobin Olsen, (born 1990), Swedish football goalkeeperScott Olsen (born 1984), American Major League Baseball pitcher for the Florida MarlinsSúni Olsen, a Faroese football playerTillie Olsen (1912–2007), American writer, feminist, and political activistViktor Olsen (born 1924), Norwegian long-distance runnerOlsen (first name?) A controversial 19th century cartographer and Danish nationalist (see Duchy of Schleswig#Name and naming dispute)