Osler

Osler is a British surname with an Anglo-Saxon origin derived from the Old English word "osle" meaning "a species of bird-cherry tree." The name could therefore have been a topographic name for someone living by an osier tree or grove of osiers.

The Osler surname is associated with families primarily in the English counties of Berkshire, Oxfordshire, and Worcestershire. The name has ancient roots in the region, dating back to medieval times.

One of the most notable bearers of the Osler surname was Sir William Osler (1849-1919), a prominent Canadian physician and one of the four founding professors of Johns Hopkins Hospital. He is often referred to as the "Father of Modern Medicine" for his groundbreaking contributions to medical education and practice.

Over the centuries, the Osler surname has spread beyond the British Isles to other parts of the world, particularly North America. Today, individuals with the surname Osler can be found across various professions and walks of life, contributing to the rich tapestry of British heritage and culture.

There are approximately 663 people named Osler in the UK. That makes it one of Britain's least common surnames. Only around ten in a million people in Britain are named Osler.

Surname type: Occupational name

Origin: English

Region of origin: British Isles

Country of origin: England

Religion of origin: Christian

Language of origin: English

Typical given names associated with the surname

Male

  • Alan
  • Andrew
  • Charles
  • David
  • Harvey
  • James
  • Jason
  • Michael
  • Paul
  • Philip
  • Richard
  • Steven
  • William

Female

  • Andrea
  • Audrey
  • Catherine
  • Claire
  • Elizabeth
  • Gillian
  • Helen
  • Jane
  • Jean
  • Jennifer
  • Margaret
  • Pauline
  • Rebecca
  • Victoria

Similar and related surnames

Related and similar names are generated algorithmically based on the spelling, and may not necessarily share an etymology.

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