O is for …

Based on: Reaney, P H, (ed. Wilson, R M), 1997, Oxford Dictionary of English Surnames, 3rd ed., OUP, Oxford, unless otherwise stated.

Oakle Street, via Geograph, copyright Roger Davies, creative commons.

Oakley

Earliest in Andrew’s Kindred: William Oakley, born about 1816, Pontesbury, Shropshire.

From a place named Oakley, or variants, or Oakle Street, Gloucestershire, or Oakleigh, Kent, or Ockley, Surrey.

I am not aware of any connection to Oakle Street.

Onion / Onions

Earliest in Andrew’s Kindred: Edward Onion, father of Thomas Onion, born about 1781, Brewood, Staffordshire.

Old French Oignon, onion seller.

Orgill

Earliest in Andrew’s Kindred: Elizabeth Orgill, born about 1804, Measham, Derbyshire.

Old French Orgueil, pride.

Orton

Earliest in Andrew’s Kindred: William Orton, born about 1776, Clifton Campville, Staffordshire.

From one of many places named Orton, Worton or Overton.

St Andrew, Clifton Campville, via Geograph, copyright Mark Walton (cropped). At 201 feet among the tallest parish churches in England.

Owen

Earliest in Andrew’s Kindred: William Owen, born about 1700, Brinklow, Warwickshire.

Old Welsh Oue(i)n, Ewan.