Meaning & History
Omdahl is a Norwegian surname derived from the name of farms in Norway.
Etymology
The name Omdahl originates from several homesteads in the regions of Agder and Rogaland. The farm names Åmdal or Omdal combine the Old Norse element ár (meaning “elm”) with dalr (“valley”), thus signifying “elm valley”. The surname therefore identifies someone who hailed from such a valley.
Distribution
As a Norwegian surname, Omdahl is most common in Norway, but due to emigration, it is also found among Norwegian-American families.
Notable Bearers
- David Omdahl (born 1956), American politician
- Harmon T. Ogdahl (1917–2009), American politician and businessman
- Jan Omdahl (born 1961), Norwegian journalist
- Lloyd Omdahl (1931–2024), American politician
- Vicki Jo Omdahl, later known as Brynn Hartman (1958–1998), wife and murderer of Phil Hartman
Key Facts
- Meaning: Elm valley
- Origin: Norwegian (farm name)
- Type: Surname
- Usage Regions: Norway, United States
Sources: Wikipedia — Omdahl