This page needs Javascript enabled in order to work properly. Click here for instructions on how to enable it in your browser.
Surname Header Image
Get access to Orswell family records.Start a 14-Day Free Trial

Orswell Family History

Orswell Surname Meaning

Historically, surnames evolved as a way to sort people into groups - by occupation, place of origin, clan affiliation, patronage, parentage, adoption, and even physical characteristics (like red hair). Many of the modern surnames in the dictionary can be traced back to Britain and Ireland.


Similar surnames: Oswell, Orrell, Boswell, Rowell, Carswell, Creswell, Cordwell

Search for a relative to learn more about your family history.

Hint: Try searching for a relative alive in 1940.

Where is the Orswell family from?

You can see how Orswell families moved over time by selecting different census years. The Orswell family name was found in the USA, and Canada between 1840 and 1920. The most Orswell families were found in USA in 1880. In 1840 there were 7 Orswell families living in Rhode Island. This was about 88% of all the recorded Orswell's in USA. Rhode Island had the highest population of Orswell families in 1840.
Use census records and voter lists to see where families with the Orswell surname lived. Within census records, you can often find information like name of household members, ages, birthplaces, residences, and occupations.
  • 1840
  • 1880
  • 1920
Mapbox
© Mapbox © OpenStreetMap Improve this map

What Orswell family records will you find?

Census Records

There are 507 census records available for the last name Orswell. Like a window into their day-to-day life, Orswell census records can tell you where and how your ancestors worked, their level of education, veteran status, and more.

Search UK census records for Orswell

Passenger Lists

There are 23 immigration records available for the last name Orswell. Passenger lists are your ticket to knowing when your ancestors arrived in the UK, and how they made the journey - from the ship name to ports of arrival and departure.

View all Orswell immigration records

Draft Cards

There are 54 military records available for the last name Orswell. For the veterans among your Orswell ancestors, military collections provide insights into where and when they served, and even physical descriptions.

View all Orswell military records

You've only scratched the surface of Orswell family history

Discover More

What is the average Orswell lifespan?

Between 1956 and 2003, in the United States, Orswell life expectancy was at its lowest point in 1956, and highest in 2003. The average life expectancy for Orswell in 1956 was 60, and 87 in 2003.

View Social Security Death Index (SSDI) for Orswell

An unusually short lifespan might indicate that your Orswell ancestors lived in harsh conditions. A short lifespan might also indicate health problems that were once prevalent in your family. The SSDI is a searchable database of more than 70 million names. You can find birthdates, death dates, addresses and more.

Discover the unique achievements of ancestors in the Orswell family tree

Explore Your Tree
Search for another surname
Enter last name/surname
Start a 14-Day Free Trial