Find out how popular the last name Olga is in the United States and learn more about the meaning, history, and race and ethnic origin of people in America who are named Olga.

Olga, like all of the last names we have data for, is identified by the U.S. Census Bureau as a surname which has more than 100 occurrences in the United States in the Decennial Census survey. The most recent statistics we have for the Olga surname is from the 2000 census data.

Popularity of Olga in America

Olga is the 118954th most popular name in America based on the data we have collected from the U.S. Census Bureau.

The Olga surname appeared 135 times in the 2000 census and if you were to sample 100,000 people in the United States, approximately 0 people would have the surname Olga.

The history of the last name Olga

The surname Olga is an intriguing case in the study of onomastics, specifically its origins, use, and historical significance. The name originates from Eastern Europe, particularly the Slavic regions, and the earliest references can be traced back to medieval times. Its etymology is believed to be linked with the Old Norse name Helga, which means "holy" or "blessed," and through cultural exchanges, it evolved into Olga.

One of the oldest written instances of the surname appears in Russian and Ukrainian manuscripts from the 15th and 16th centuries. These documents often included records of land ownership and other civil functions, where the name Olga signified family lineage or heritage. While it is not as commonly a surname in contemporary times, its mention in this historical context shows its long-standing presence.

In older records, variations in the spelling of Olga can be found, reflecting changes in language and regional dialects. For instance, some Ukrainian manuscripts use the spelling Olha, while old Belarusian documents might have recorded it as Holga. Despite these variations, the name consistently conveyed a sense of sacredness and reverence, likely linked to its etymological roots.

A famed historical figure is Fyodor Olga, a Russian merchant from the early 17th century, who played a significant role in the trade routes between Moscow and the Baltic Sea. His contribution to regional commerce is documented in trade records from 1624 to his death in 1669, highlighting the prominence of individuals with this surname.

Another notable person bearing the Olga surname is Ivan Olga, a Ukrainian noble who participated in the Cossack uprisings during the 18th century. Ivan’s activities between 1721 and 1767 have been documented in various military records, where his strategic role in battles and negotiations was critical.

In a cultural context, Anna Olga, a Belarusian poet born in 1789 and active up to her death in 1842, made significant contributions to her nation’s literary heritage. Her works often explored themes of national identity and spirituality, drawing on the connotations of her surname's meaning.

In the 19th century, Maria Olga, born 1834 and died 1896, was a significant figure in the Russian feminist movement. Her advocacy for women's education and rights is well-documented in contemporary journals and publications, reflecting the social changes occurring in her era.

Lastly, we find records of Emil Olga, a Jewish scholar from the early 20th century, whose academic work in linguistics between 1901 and 1943 helped preserve the Yiddish language during a period of intense persecution. His surname often appeared in academic papers and correspondences, ensuring the name's continued existence in historical documents.

The surname Olga, with its profound historical and cultural significance, offers fascinating insight into the social and linguistic evolution within Eastern European regions. Renowned individuals with this surname have left an indelible mark on history, ensuring the name's enduring legacy in various scholarly and historical records.

Race and ethnic origin of people with the last name Olga

We also have some data on the ancestry of people with the surname Olga.

The below race categories are the modified race categories used in the Census Bureau's population estimates program. All people were categorized into six mutually exclusive racial and Hispanic origin groups:

1. White only
2. Black only
3. American Indian and Alaskan Native only
4. Asian and Pacific Islander only
5. Hispanic
6. Two or More Races

For the most recent 2000 census data, the race/ethnic origin breakdown for Olga was:

Note: Any fields showing (S) means the data was suppressed for privacy so that the data does not in any way identify any specific individuals.

Data source

The last name data and ethnic breakdown of last names is sourced directly from the Decennial Census survey, conducted every 10 years by the United States Census Bureau.

The history and meaning of the name Olga was researched and written by our team of onomatology and genealogy experts.

If you have a correction or suggestion to improve the history of Olga, please contact us.

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