The Olson surname originated in Scandinavia and is a patronymic name meaning “son of Ole/Ola”. It is a common surname in Norway, Sweden, and Denmark, and is also found in other parts of the world due to immigration. The name has variations such as Olsen, Olsson, and Olesen. Famous people with the Olson surname include American football player Merlin Olsen and Swedish actress Inger Nilsson. Today, the Olson name continues to be passed down through generations and represents a rich cultural heritage.