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Oliver

♂ Boy

Pronounced OL-ih-ver /ˈɒl.ɪ.vər/High

Meaning: Olive tree; associated with peace and fruitfulnessMedium

In 30 seconds: A charming classic with roots in Latin and Norman French, likely meaning 'olive tree.' Oliver has surged to the top of boys' charts across the English-speaking world.
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Origin HighLatin, Norman French
MeaningOlive tree; associated with peace and fruitfulness
Peak year2017
Total births (all-time)≈ 152,922

Popularity in the U.S. · SSA data

peak 201718802017

U.S. births per year (Social Security Administration, 1880–present). Pink marker = peak year.

History & Origin

Oliver was introduced to England by the Normans, where it may have been a Latinized form of a Germanic name, or associated with the Latin oliva (olive). It was used in medieval England and France, most famously borne by Oliver (Roland's companion) in the Song of Roland.

Oliver fell out of fashion after the legacy of Oliver Cromwell (1599–1658) made it politically charged in Britain. It revived in the 19th century via Charles Dickens's Oliver Twist (1837–1839) and the musical Oliver! (1960). It has reached #1 in England, Australia, and the U.S. in the 21st century.

Did you know? The origin of Oliver is actually debated — it may derive from Latin oliva (olive tree) or from the Old Norse name Áleifr via Norman French, giving it either a peaceful or an ancestral meaning.

Variations

OlivierOlivieroNoll

Nicknames

OllieOlly

Famous Bearers

  • ★Oliver Cromwell (1599–1658)
    English military and political leader, Lord Protector of the Commonwealth.
  • ★Oliver Hardy (1892–1957)
    American comedian, one half of the comedy duo Laurel and Hardy.
  • ★Oliver Stone (1946–)
    American film director and screenwriter, known for Platoon and JFK.

If you like Oliver…

Liam— fellow top-ranked modern classic boys' name
Noah— shares the crisp, chart-topping appeal
Henry— equally distinguished vintage name enjoying a revival
Sebastian— shares the classic, literary feel
Jasper— another vintage boys' name with nature undertones

Frequently Asked

What does the name Oliver mean?

Oliver most likely derives from Latin oliva meaning 'olive tree,' though some scholars trace it to a Norse name meaning 'ancestor's descendants.'

How do you pronounce Oliver?

Oliver is pronounced OL-ih-ver /ˈɒl.ɪ.vər/ — three syllables, with stress on the first.

Is Oliver a boy or girl name?

Oliver is used almost exclusively as a boy's name; the feminine equivalent is Olivia.

How popular is Oliver?

Oliver has ranked #1 in England and Australia for extended periods and consistently sits in the U.S. top five boys' names.