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

Ölster, 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 Ölster surname is from the 2000 census data.

Popularity of Ölster in America

Ölster is the 138741st most popular name in America based on the data we have collected from the U.S. Census Bureau.

The Ölster surname appeared 111 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 Ölster.

The history of the last name Ölster

The surname Olster is believed to have its origins in Northern Europe, specifically in the regions that encompass modern-day Germany and the Netherlands. The name dates back to the early medieval period, around the 12th and 13th centuries. It is thought to derive from older forms of Germanic or Dutch words related to geographical features or occupations.

The term "Olst" is an old Germanic word that could refer to a damp place, likely indicating someone who lived near marshes or wetlands. This name was often modified with various suffixes over the centuries, leading to forms such as Olstar and Olsteren in ancient records. A possible root could be found in the Middle Low German word "olsteren," meaning "to lay down."

One of the earliest documented instances of the surname Olster can be found in the 1276 tax records from the German town of Aachen, where a Heinrich Olster was listed as a landowner. In the early 15th century, the Dutch city of Utrecht had records mentioning a Willem van Olsteren, indicating the name was in use as a locative surname describing someone from a place called Olsteren.

Anna Olster, born in 1547 in the Hanseatic League city of Lübeck, is another notable early bearer. She was known locally for her philanthropy and contributions to the church. Records from the time describe her as an influential figure in the community, helping to build schools and hospitals.

Jan Olsteren, a Dutch merchant born in 1620 in Amsterdam, is one of the more prominent figures bearing the name. He engaged in trade between the Dutch East Indies and Europe and played a critical role in the economic development of the city. By the late 17th century, various spellings, including Olsther and Olstierre, were used in different regions, reflecting local linguistic influences.

The Olster name also appears in early Polish records, likely due to the migration of families from German-speaking areas. For instance, Krzysztof Olster, born in 1713 in Kraków, was a known Polish printer and publisher. His works contributed significantly to the dissemination of scientific knowledge during the Enlightenment period in Poland.

Frederick Olster, an 18th-century British naval officer born in 1756, distinguished himself during the Napoleonic Wars. His service records show several commendations for bravery and leadership in combat, marking the name Olster in British military history.

Throughout the centuries, the surname Olster has been borne by various individuals across Europe. Due to migrations and evolving languages, the name has had slightly different spellings and pronunciations but retains its connection to its geographical and occupational origins. This rich history reflects the cultural and societal transformations that have influenced the name and its bearers over the centuries.

Race and ethnic origin of people with the last name Ölster

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

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 Ölster 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 Ölster was researched and written by our team of onomatology and genealogy experts.

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

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