Olive

♀ Girl

Pronounced OL-iv /ˈɒl.ɪv/High

Meaning: Olive tree — from Latin oliva (olive tree, olive fruit), the ancient symbol of peace, wisdom, and fertilityHigh

In 30 seconds: From the Latin for 'olive tree,' Olive carries two thousand years of peace symbolism, literary pedigree from Little Women's era, and a crisp modern freshness fuelling its confident comeback.

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Origin HighLatin, Old French

MeaningOlive tree — from Latin oliva (olive tree, olive fruit), the ancient symbol of peace, wisdom, and fertility

U.S. rank (2025)#197 ↘ Falling

2025 U.S. births1,597 girls (0.10% of U.S. girls)

Peak year2022

Total births (all-time)≈ 66,909

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

Olive derives from the Latin oliva, the olive tree (Olea europaea). The olive has been a symbol of peace, wisdom, victory, and prosperity across the ancient Mediterranean world. As a given name, Olive appeared in the English-speaking world in the 19th century, likely as a nature name inspired by the olive's rich symbolism.

Olive was popular in the late 19th and early 20th centuries in Britain and the United States, then declined mid-century. It has experienced a strong revival since the 2000s as part of the vintage name trend. It entered the U.S. top 200 girls' names and continues to climb, particularly popular in the UK and Australia.

Did you know? In ancient Greece, winners of the Olympic Games were crowned with wreaths of wild olive — not laurel as is commonly believed. The olive branch has symbolized peace since antiquity, and the dove returning with an olive branch is one of the world's oldest symbols of hope.

Variations

OliviaOliva

Nicknames

OllieLiv

Famous Bearers

★Olive Thomas (1894-1920)
American silent film actress and Ziegfeld Follies model
★Olive Schreiner (1855-1920)
South African author of The Story of an African Farm
★Olive Borden (1906-1947)
American silent film actress

If you like Olive…

Olivia— the fuller form of the same root, currently one of the world's most popular girls' names

Iris— short Latin/Greek nature name sharing Olive's revival momentum

Rose— one-syllable nature name equally beloved for its simplicity and symbolism

Ollie— a fellow Latin choice

Vida— a fellow Latin choice

Explore names like Olive

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Frequently Asked

What does the name Olive mean?

Olive comes from Latin oliva meaning 'olive tree,' an ancient symbol of peace, wisdom, and victory.

How do you pronounce Olive?

Olive is pronounced OL-iv /ˈɒl.ɪv/ — two syllables with stress on the first.

Is Olive a boy or girl name?

Olive is used as a girls' name.

How popular is Olive?

Olive has entered the U.S. top 200 girls' names after a strong vintage revival beginning in the 2000s.