Orville

Orville is a masculine given name created for a character in the novel Evelina (1778) by the English writer Frances Burney (later Madame d'Arblay). Burney likely intended the name to mean "golden city" in French, though it does not exist as a traditional French word; it is a literary invention combining elements reminiscent of or (gold) and ville (town or settlement). The name thus carries the meaning of "golden city" in French.

Etymology

The name Orville was coined by Burney, who was known for using creative and somewhat aristocratic-sounding names for her characters. The first element or- is derived from the French word for gold, while -ville is a common suffix in French place names meaning "town" or "settlement." Despite its French components, Orville is not a historical French name but an English literary invention that later gained use as a given name in the English-speaking world.

Notable Bearers

The most famous bearer is Orville Wright (1871–1948), who, together with his brother Wilbur, invented and flew the first successful airplane. Other notable individuals with this name include:

• Orville E. Babcock (1835–1884), American general who served as private secretary to President Ulysses S. Grant.
• Orville Hickman Browning (1806–1881), U.S. Senator from Illinois and Secretary of the Interior.
• Orville Richard Burrell (born 1968), better known by his stage name Shaggy, Jamaican-American singer.
• Orville Carlisle (1917–1988), American inventor of the model rocket engine.
• Orville Gibson (1856–1918), founder of the Gibson Guitar Corporation.
• Orville Freeman (1918–2003), U.S. Secretary of Agriculture and governor of Minnesota.
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• Orville E. Atwood (1880–1939), American politician.
• Orville Dewey (1794–1882), American clergyman.
• Orville Freeman (1918–2003), American politician.
• Orville Harrold (1878–1933), American singer.

Popularity and Usage

Orville has never been among the most popular names in the United States, but it saw modest use in the early 20th century, likely influenced by the fame of Orville Wright. Since then, its usage has declined, making it a relatively uncommon but distinctive choice. The variant Orval also exists as an alternative spelling.

Facts

• Meaning: "golden city" in French (invented by playwright Frances Burney)
• Origin: Literary invention, English
• Type: First name
• Usage regions: English-speaking world
• Related names: Orval