Ozols

Ozols is a Latvian surname meaning "oak," derived from the Latvian noun ozols. It is part of a broad pattern in Latvian onomastics in which surnames reflect natural features. The exact origins of the name are not known in detail, but it likely originated as a descriptive nickname for a tall or stout person, or as a toponymic identifier linked to a place associated with oak trees.

Geographic distribution: The surname is common in Latvia and is borne by people in various fields, including arts, sports, and public life. With emigration, Ozols can be found in Latvian diaspora communities in North America, Western Europe, and Australia.

Cultural associations: The oak tree is a symbol of strength, endurance, and natural heritage in Baltic and Latvian culture, which contributes to the surname's positive connotations in cultural contexts. However, Ozols functions simply as a family name in daily use.

Variants: The standard Latvian spelling is Ozols; older records may show phonetic spellings in other languages due to migration or administrative changes, but such variants are not widespread today.