What does Orville mean and where does it come from?
Orville is traditionally a male name but has seen usage for females, particularly in creative contexts. It is of French origin, meaning 'gold town.' The name became popular in the late 19th and early 20th centuries, partly due to its association with notable figures like aviation pioneer Orville Wri
Cultural significance
Orville has been a cherished name across cultures, particularly in English-speaking communities, where it reflects values of gold town.
Peak popularity
Reached #2596 in 1931 — currently #6347 in the US.
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Related Reading
English-origin baby names with timeless appeal
Browse names →How else can you spell Orville?
Same sound, different look — useful if you want something slightly more distinctive
What middle names flow best with Orville?
Orville works best with short, strong middle names — one or two syllables keep the full name from becoming a mouthful
Orville Jack
One syllable · timeless choice
Orville John
One syllable · timeless choice
Orville Miles
One syllable · vintage charm
Orville Brooks
One syllable · timeless choice
Orville Gael
One syllable · timeless choice
Orville Quinn
One syllable · timeless choice
How popular is Orville right now?
Rising fast — up 800 spots — currently #6347 in the US out of 135.5k tracked names
| Year | US Rank | Births | vs Prior Year |
|---|
| 2025 | #6347 | 14 | ▲ up 800 · +17% births |
| 2024 | #7147 | 12 | ▼ down 6146 · -99% births |
| 2023 | #1001 | 1,199 | ▲ up 5 · +2% births |
| 2022 | #1006 | 1,179 | ▲ up 5 · +3% births |
| 2021 | #1011 | 1,149 | ▲ up 2063 · +12667% births |
| 1930 | #3074 | 9 | ▼ down 126 · -18% births |
| 1925 | #2948 | 11 | ▲ up 658 · +38% births |
| 1920 | #3606 | 8 | ▼ down 154 · +14% births |
| 1915 | #3452 | 7 | — |
The story of Orville
Orville entered American naming records in 1914 and has been in use for over 110 years. A total of 35,149 babies have received this name. The name has grown more popular over time, rising from #3452 in 1915 to #1001 in 2023. Orville is used for both genders: 0% female and 100% male.
Names that peaked alongside Orville in 1931:
Orville by decade
Orville peaked in the 1930s. See all 1930s names →
| Decade | Births | |
|---|
| 1880s | 615 | |
| 1890s | 870 | |
| 1900s | 1,365 | |
| 1910s | 7,942 | |
| 1920s ★ | 9,805 | |
| 1930s | 5,855 | |
| 1940s | 3,845 | |
| 1950s | 2,289 | |
| 1960s | 1,182 | |
| 1970s | 615 | |
| 1980s | 320 | |
| 1990s | 179 | |
| 2000s | 132 | |
| 2010s | 123 | |
| 2020s | 38 | |
What are good nicknames for Orville?
What names sound and feel like Orville?
Based on sound, origin, and style — parents who love Orville also consider these
How is Orville written in other languages?
Common questions about the name Orville
What does the name Orville mean?
Orville means "gold town" — a name rooted in English tradition that carries both historical depth and timeless appeal. The meaning reflects values that have made this name endure across generations.
How popular is the name Orville?
Orville is currently a distinctive and less common name as a baby name in the US and is holding steady in popularity, a reliable classic that parents consistently choose.
What is the cultural origin of Orville?
Orville originates from English tradition. English names tend to carry strong cultural heritage and have spread across the world through migration, literature, and religion over centuries.
How do you pronounce the name Orville?
Orville is a two-syllable name pronounced AW-rvil. The pronunciation is straightforward for English speakers, and the name reads clearly on paper — an important practical consideration for parents.
Is Orville a common or rare name?
Orville is a distinctive choice that balances familiarity with individuality. It strikes a balance between standing out and fitting in.