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 Otterstrom family records.Start a 14-Day Free Trial

Otterstrom Family History

Otterstrom Surname Meaning

Swedish (Otterström): variant of Utterström ornamental name composed of the elements utter (from Old Norse otr) ‘otter’.

The name reflects a connection to nature, specifically the otter, which is often associated with aquatic environments.

The second component of the name, ström, means ‘river’, further emphasizing this relationship to water.

Such names were typically given in honor of the natural surroundings or characteristics of the landscape.

Overall, Otterström embodies both a linguistic heritage and a deep appreciation for the environment in which people lived.

Source: Dictionary of American Family Names 2nd edition, 2022


Similar surnames: 

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

Hint: Try searching for a relative alive in 1940.

Where is the Otterstrom family from?

You can see how Otterstrom families moved over time by selecting different census years. The Otterstrom family name was found in the USA, and the UK between 1880 and 1920. The most Otterstrom families were found in USA in 1920. In 1891 there was 1 Otterstrom family living in Durham. This was 100% of all the recorded Otterstrom's in United Kingdom. Durham had the highest population of Otterstrom families in 1891.
Use census records and voter lists to see where families with the Otterstrom surname lived. Within census records, you can often find information like name of household members, ages, birthplaces, residences, and occupations.
Mapbox
© Mapbox © OpenStreetMap Improve this map

What did your Otterstrom ancestors do for a living?

In 1940, Laborer and Clerk were the top reported jobs for men and women in the USA named Otterstrom. 20% of Otterstrom men worked as a Laborer and 100% of Otterstrom women worked as a Clerk.

View Census Data for Otterstrom | Data not to scale

*We display top occupations by gender to maintain their historical accuracy during times when men and women often performed different jobs.

United States shown, England data unavailable

Top Male Occupations In 1940

  • Laborer
    20%
  • Clerk
    15%
  • Baker
    15%
  • Farmer
    10%

Top Female Occupations In 1940

  • Clerk
    100%

What Otterstrom family records will you find?

Census Records

There are 841 census records available for the last name Otterstrom. Like a window into their day-to-day life, Otterstrom census records can tell you where and how your ancestors worked, their level of education, veteran status, and more.

Search UK census records for Otterstrom

Passenger Lists

There are 325 immigration records available for the last name Otterstrom. 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 Otterstrom immigration records

Draft Cards

There are 269 military records available for the last name Otterstrom. For the veterans among your Otterstrom ancestors, military collections provide insights into where and when they served, and even physical descriptions.

View all Otterstrom military records

You've only scratched the surface of Otterstrom family history

Discover More

What is the average Otterstrom lifespan?

Between 1955 and 2004, in the United States, Otterstrom life expectancy was at its lowest point in 1955, and highest in 1963. The average life expectancy for Otterstrom in 1955 was 28, and 74 in 2004.

View Social Security Death Index (SSDI) for Otterstrom

An unusually short lifespan might indicate that your Otterstrom 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 Otterstrom family tree

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