What's the meaning of the surname Olsen?

Question:

What's the meaning of the surname Olsen?

Best Answer - Chosen by Asker: Olson simply means Ole's son. Ole is a Scandinavian name and in the Scandinavian countries, prior to modern times, a son was given his father's name, with the addition of 'son' Thus, John's son would be known as Ole Johnsson. His son would be known as Leif Olesson. The girls were also given their father's names, but they were, respsectively, Johnsdotter, Leifsdotter and Olesdotter.