Olaf

♂ Boy

Pronounced OH-luf /ˈoʊ.ləf/High

Meaning: From Old Norse Áleifr/Óláfr, from anu ('ancestor') and leifr ('heir; descendant') — 'ancestor's descendant.' A royal name in Norway and Denmark, borne by Saint Olaf (Olaf II of Norway).Medium

In 30 seconds: A Norse royal name: Olaf means 'ancestor's descendant' — heir of the forefathers (said 'OH-luf').

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Origin MediumNorse, Scandinavian

MeaningFrom Old Norse Áleifr/Óláfr, from anu ('ancestor') and leifr ('heir; descendant') — 'ancestor's descendant.' A royal name in Norway and Denmark, borne by Saint Olaf (Olaf II of Norway).

U.S. rank (2024)#13645 ↘ Falling

2024 U.S. births5 boys (0.00% of U.S. boys)

Peak year1916

Total births (all-time)≈ 2,525

Popularity in the U.S. · SSA data

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

SSA data updated May 2026. How we source & verify this data.

History & Origin

Olaf comes from Old Norse Óláfr, from anu ('ancestor') and leifr ('heir; descendant'). It was a king's name in Norway and Denmark for centuries, and Olaf II of Norway became Saint Olaf, the country's patron. In American ears it now also carries the cheerful snowman of Disney's Frozen — a modern layer on a very old name (said 'OH-luf').

In the U.S. it is rare for boys today. Rare, Norse, and sturdy.

Did you know? Olaf is one of Scandinavia's great royal names — Saint Olaf became the patron saint of Norway. For many American children today, though, the first Olaf they meet is the snowman in Frozen. Both are real parts of the name's life now.

Overall data confidence 60%

References — Olaf — Old Norse Óláfr; Saint Olaf of Norway; Frozen noted

Variations

OlavOlofOle

Nicknames

OleLaffy

Famous Bearers

Famous bearers coming soon.

If you like Olaf…

Leif— a like Norse name sharing the 'heir' root

Axel— a similar Scandinavian classic

Erik— a like Nordic royal name

Otto— a similar sturdy old-world pick

Explore names like Olaf

By themeclassic scandinavian norse royal

By meaningRoyal / Noble

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Frequently Asked

What does the name Olaf mean?

Olaf is Old Norse for 'ancestor's descendant' — from anu ('ancestor') and leifr ('heir').

How do you pronounce Olaf?

It's said OH-luf /ˈoʊ.ləf/ — two syllables, stress on the first.

Is Olaf a boy or girl name?

Olaf is used as a boy's name.

How popular is Olaf?

Olaf is a rare name for boys in the U.S. today.