Orson

Orson is a masculine given name used primarily in English-speaking countries. The exact origin of the name is uncertain, but it is generally considered to be of medieval English or Continental European origin, with possible associations to bear-related roots in Latin or Old French. Variants and spellings such as Orsen have been noted in various historical records, though Orson remains the most common modern form. The name is most often encountered as a first name, with rare usage as a surname.

Notable people with the given name include Orson Welles (1915–1985), an American filmmaker, actor, and writer renowned for Citizen Kane and for his early War of the Worlds radio broadcast; Orson Scott Card (born 1951), an American author best known for the Ender's Game science fiction series; and Orson Bean (1928–2020), an American comedian, actor, and writer who appeared in film and television.

In popular culture, the name Orson is used for fictional characters, such as Orson Krennic, a character in the Star Wars universe who serves as a high-ranking Imperial official in Rogue One: A Star Wars Story. The name continues to appear in literature and media, though it remains a relatively uncommon given name in contemporary usage.