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Olive Girl

Popularity: #166 · Trend: ↗ Rising

Origin(s)

PronunciationAH-liv / /ˈɒlɪv/

Latin; Old French

Meaning

Latin: olive tree; Old French: peace

Historical & Cultural Background

The name Olive is derived from the Latin word "oliva," which means "olive tree." This Latin term itself traces back to the Greek word "elaia," which also signifies the olive tree. The olive tree has been a symbol of peace and prosperity throughout history, particularly in Mediterranean cultures. The introduction of the name Olive into the English language occurred during the Norman Conquest of England in the 11th century, as many Latin and Old French names were adopted into English vernacular. The name's association with the olive tree, a plant revered for its fruit and oil, contributed to its adoption and enduring presence in various cultures.

Historically, the name Olive has been linked to several notable figures and events. In the biblical context, the olive branch is recognized as a symbol of peace, famously associated with the story of Noah, where a dove returns with an olive leaf to signify the end of the flood. This imagery has permeated various cultures and religious texts, reinforcing the name's significance. Additionally, the name Olive appears in literature and historical texts, including works from the Middle Ages, where it was sometimes used as a poetic reference to peace and reconciliation.

Culturally, the olive tree has held a prominent place in various traditions, symbolizing abundance, fertility, and peace. In ancient Greece, the olive tree was sacred to Athena, the goddess of wisdom, and was often associated with victory and prosperity. This cultural resonance has allowed the name Olive to maintain its relevance over centuries, as it embodies qualities that are universally admired. The name has also seen variations and diminutives, such as Olivette, which reflect its adaptability across different languages and cultures, further enriching its historical tapestry.

Trend Summary

Olive has seen a resurgence in popularity in the United States, ranking among the top 100 names for girls in recent years.

Similar Names

Variants

  • Olivia

International Variants

  • Oliva (Spanish)
  • Olivier (French)
  • Oliveira (Portuguese)

Famous people named Olive

Olive Oatman is a historical figure best known for her captivity by Native Americans and her subsequent return to society.

Olive Schreiner is an author best known for The Story of an African Farm and her advocacy for women's rights.

Olive Thomas is an actress best known for her roles in The Flapper and The Follies of 1920.

Fictional characters named Olive

Olive Oyl is a fictional character from the comic strip and animated series Popeye. She is the love interest of Popeye and often finds herself in various adventures and predicaments due to her relationship with him.

Olive is a fictional character from the film Little Miss Sunshine. She is a young girl with dreams of competing in a beauty pageant, and her determination drives her family's road trip across the country.

Sibling Suggestions

U.S. Historical Usage

The name Olive was first seen in the United States in 1880. Olive has ranked as high as #352 nationally, which occurred in 2022, and has been most popular in Pennsylvania, California, New York, Ohio, and Illinois. In the past 5 years the name Olive has been trending up compared to the previous 5 years.

Popularity Over Time (National)

Top States for Olive (2024)

StateBirthsShare
CA 208
12%
TX 124
7%
OH 82
5%
FL 77
5%
PA 70
4%
IL 64
4%
NY 64
4%
WA 61
4%
WI 53
3%
UT 52
3%
NC 52
3%
MN 51
3%
CO 50
3%
VA 50
3%
MO 47
3%

Popularity Over Time (National) — Table

YearBirths
1880224
1881211
1882291
1883294
1884360
1885349
1886404
1887394
1888465
1889464
1890491
1891509
1892583
1893589
1894589
1895577
1896583
1897583
1898644
1899565
1900705
1901539
1902593
1903597
1904573
1905598
1906561
1907568
1908648
1909645
1910646
1911699
1912874
1913994
19141,200
19151,654
19161,616
19171,566
19181,618
19191,488
19201,552
19211,567
19221,323
19231,222
19241,058
1925975
1926872
1927879
1928790
1929651
1930539
1931514
1932484
1933387
1934327
1935294
1936276
1937251
1938234
1939235
1940169
1941208
1942180
1943203
1944110
1945134
1946123
194798
1948122
194997
195099
195167
195280
195372
195458
195550
195657
195756
195837
195941
196048
196124
196236
196328
196422
196523
196622
196719
196816
196919
197017
197110
197213
19739
197417
197515
197611
19779
19789
197912
198013
19818
19828
198311
19848
198514
19869
19877
19886
198910
199013
19918
199215
199316
19948
199512
199613
199715
199818
199923
200035
200137
200243
200351
200451
200588
2006116
2007271
2008358
2009512
2010541
2011763
2012860
20131,097
20141,152
20151,212
20161,162
20171,252
20181,232
20191,434
20201,491
20211,635
20221,836
20231,649
20241,778