Olson (also Olsson, Oleson) is a common patronymic surname of Scandinavian origin that literally means "son of Olaf or Ole". Olson may refer to: Academics Eric T. Olson (philosopher), American-born professor of philosophy at the University of Sheffield Hope A. Olson, library scholar known for her critical analyses of classification systems James C. Olson (1917–2005), American historian and 17th president of the University of Missouri System James S. Olson, American professor of history at Sam Houston State University Oscar L. Olson (1872–1956), third President of Luther College in Iowa Artists and entertainers Alix Olson (born 1975), American poet Candice Olson (born 1964), Canadian interior designer and host of the home makeover show Divine Design with Candice Olson Charles Olson (1910–1970), American modernist poet Dante Pereira-Olson, American actor Evan Olson (born 1967), rock singer and songwriter James Olson (actor) (1930–2022), American actor Jenni Olson (born 1962), writer, director and documentary filmmaker Jody Jean Olson, also known as India Summer, US porno actress John Olson (poet and writer) (born 1947) Johnny Olson (1910–1985), American radio personality and television announcer Kaitlin Olson (born 1975), American actress Mark Olson (musician) (born 1961), U.S. country singer-songwriter Martin Olson (born 1956) American comedy writer Nancy Olson (born 1928), American actress Olivia Olson (born 1992), American singer-songwriter and actress Scott Olson, guitarist, bassist, and recording engineer Athletes Benji Olson (born 1975), former National Football League (NFL) player Bob Olson, American collegiate football player Carl Bobo Olson, (1928–2002), American boxer Dante Olson (born 1997), American football player Drew Olson (born 1983), NFL quarterback Greg Olson (baseball) (born 1960), Major League Baseball (MLB) catcher Gregg Olson (born 1966), MLB pitcher Josh Olson (born 1981), American ice hockey player Karl Olson (1930–2010), MLB outfielder Lute Olson (1934–2020), former basketball coach Matt Olson (born 1994), MLB first baseman Sasha Olson (born 1976), Canadian softball player Tyler Olson (baseball) (born 1989), American baseball player Politicians and government officials Alec G. Olson (born 1930), American politician Allen I. Olson (born 1938), American politician Bud Olson (1925–2002), Canadian Member of Parliament, Senator and Lieutenant Governor Conrad P. Olson (1882-1952) American judge and politician Conrad Olson (Minnesota politician) (1895-1953), American politician and lawyer Culbert Olson, (1876–1962), American politician Donovan Olson (born 1965), American politician Edgar Olson (1937–2020), American politician Floyd B. Olson (1891–1936), American politician George W. Olson (1897-1958), American farmer and politician Kurt Olson (born 1948), American politician Mark Douglas Olson, American politician Mark