The nameOliver
Oliver is a boy's name linked to the olive tree, the English form of the French Olivier. It was the top boys' name in England and Wales for most of the 2010s.
- Boy's name
- French
Meaning
Oliver is usually linked to the Latin oliva, "olive, olive tree", a symbol of peace. Some scholars think it may also echo a Germanic or Norse name such as Óláfr, so its origin is discussed.
Origin
French, then English. Olivier is the loyal companion of Roland in the Song of Roland, an 11th century epic, and the name came to England with the Normans.
History
The name is said to have fallen out of favour in England after Oliver Cromwell. It came back with Charles Dickens's novel Oliver Twist (1838). It was the most popular boys' name in England and Wales in 2009, 2010 and from 2013 to 2020, and it has reached the top 3 in the United States. Olivia is its feminine counterpart.
Did you know?
- In Oliver Twist, the starving orphan dares to ask: "Please, sir, I want some more."
- After the monarchy was restored, Oliver Cromwell's body was dug up and beheaded in 1661.
Famous people named Oliver
- Oliver Cromwell, Lord Protector
- Oliver Goldsmith, writer
- Oliver Stone, film director
Popularity of the name Oliver
Oliver in the United States
Oliver was most popular in the United States in the 2010s, with 98,287 births over the decade, 38% of all recorded babies named Oliver. Its rise began around 2005, and it peaked in 2024. Half of all babies named Oliver in the United States were born before 2016, so it is mostly a name of today's children and teenagers. Over the last five years on record, its popularity has held steady at around 14,880 births a year.
Oliver in the United Kingdom
Oliver was most popular in the United Kingdom in the 2010s, with 71,109 births over the decade, 43% of all recorded babies named Oliver. Half of all babies named Oliver in the United Kingdom were born before 2011, so it is mostly a name of today's children and teenagers. Over the last five years on record, it has been falling: 3,987 births a year on average, against 5,990 in the five years before.
Oliver in Ireland
Oliver in France
Oliver in Belgium
Oliver in Switzerland
Oliver in Austria
Oliver in Norway
Variants and related names
Sibling names for Oliver
Names from the same generation as Oliver, whose popularity in the United States has followed a similar path.
How many people are named Oliver? See the counter → · What would your name be in 1950? · Name origin quiz
Compare Oliver with another name
Meaning, origin and popularity of Oliver side by side with the name of your choice.
Oliver in our baby name lists
Frequently asked questions
What does the name Oliver mean?
Oliver is usually linked to the Latin oliva, "olive, olive tree", a symbol of peace. Some scholars think it may also echo a Germanic or Norse name such as Óláfr, so its origin is discussed.
What is the origin of the name Oliver?
French, then English. Olivier is the loyal companion of Roland in the Song of Roland, an 11th century epic, and the name came to England with the Normans.
Is Oliver a girl's or a boy's name?
Oliver is a boy's name.
How popular is the name Oliver?
In 2024, Oliver was the 3rd most popular name for baby boys in the United States, with 15,343 births.
What are the variants of the name Oliver?
Variants and related names of Oliver include Olivier and Ollie.
What are good sibling names for Oliver?
Names from the same generation, with a similar popularity in the United States: Charlotte, Eleanor, Nora and Amelia for a sister, Asher, Hudson, Leo and Everett for a brother.
Who are famous people named Oliver?
Oliver Cromwell, Lord Protector; Oliver Goldsmith, writer; Oliver Stone, film director.