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Olivia Girl

Popularity: #1 · Trend: ↘ Falling

Origin(s)

Pronunciationoh-LIV-ee-uh / əˈlɪv.i.ə

Latin; Old French

Meaning

Latin: olive tree; Old French: ancestor of the name

Historical & Cultural Background

The name Olivia is derived from the Latin word "oliva," meaning "olive." The olive tree has been a symbol of peace and prosperity since ancient times, and its fruit is often associated with abundance and fertility. The name entered the English language through the influence of the Latin and later the Old French forms, particularly during the medieval period when Latin was a dominant scholarly language in Europe. The earliest recorded use of the name in English literature can be traced back to the 13th century, although it gained significant prominence in the 17th century due to its use by William Shakespeare in his play "Twelfth Night," written around 1601, where Olivia is a central character representing themes of love and identity.

Throughout history, the name Olivia has been associated with various notable figures, including saints and members of nobility. The name was borne by Saint Olivia, a Christian martyr from the 3rd century, whose legacy contributed to the name's adoption in various cultures. The popularity of the name was further solidified in the 18th and 19th centuries, as it appeared in literary works and was embraced by the aristocracy, which often sought names with classical roots.

Culturally, the olive branch has been a symbol of peace since antiquity, and this association has lent the name Olivia a sense of grace and tranquility. The name has also been linked to themes of wisdom and endurance, reflecting the characteristics attributed to the olive tree itself. In addition to its classical roots, diminutive forms such as Liv or Livia have emerged, showcasing the name's adaptability across different languages and cultures. Overall, Olivia's rich etymological background and historical significance have contributed to its enduring presence in various cultural contexts.

Trend Summary

Olivia has consistently ranked among the top names for girls in the United States over the past two decades.

Similar Names

Variants

  • Olivie
  • Olive

International Variants

  • Olivia (Italian)
  • Olívia (Portuguese)
  • Olivie (French)
  • Olivia (Spanish)

Famous people named Olivia

Olivia Newton-John is a singer and actress best known for Grease, Physical, and Xanadu.

Olivia Wilde is an actress and director best known for House, Tron: Legacy, and Booksmart.

Olivia Colman is an actress best known for The Favourite, The Crown, and Broadchurch.

Olivia Thirlby is an actress best known for Juno, Dredd, and The Secret.

Fictional characters named Olivia

Olivia Pope is a fictional character from the TV series Scandal. She is a crisis manager and political fixer who navigates complex personal and professional relationships in Washington, D.C.

Olivia Dunham is a fictional character from the TV series Fringe. She is an FBI agent who investigates unusual phenomena and is central to the show's exploration of parallel universes.

Olivia Benson is a fictional character from the TV series Law & Order: Special Victims Unit. She is a dedicated detective who specializes in crimes against women and children, often leading her team in high-stakes investigations.

Olivia Wilde is a fictional character from the film Tron: Legacy. She is a program created to help the protagonist navigate the digital world and confront the antagonist.

Olivia is a fictional character from the play Twelfth Night by William Shakespeare. She is a noblewoman who becomes the object of affection for several characters, driving much of the play's romantic plot.

Sibling Suggestions

U.S. Historical Usage

The name Olivia was first seen in the United States in 1880. Olivia has ranked as high as #2 nationally, which occurred in 2014, and has been most popular in California, Texas, New York, Florida, and Illinois. In the past 5 years the name Olivia has been trending down compared to the previous 5 years.

Popularity Over Time (National)

Top States for Olivia (2024)

StateBirthsShare
CA 1,931
14%
TX 1,757
12%
FL 1,142
8%
NY 777
5%
PA 513
4%
IL 501
4%
NC 469
3%
GA 451
3%
OH 420
3%
NJ 418
3%
VA 362
3%
WA 354
2%
AZ 346
2%
MA 339
2%
TN 304
2%

Popularity Over Time (National) — Table

YearBirths
188044
188151
188252
188346
188454
188559
188672
188769
188871
1889100
189085
189166
1892101
1893107
1894127
1895117
1896114
1897131
1898141
1899110
1900167
1901126
1902130
1903130
1904157
1905153
1906181
1907171
1908181
1909179
1910211
1911191
1912285
1913287
1914340
1915372
1916446
1917476
1918466
1919471
1920523
1921502
1922536
1923528
1924501
1925527
1926466
1927499
1928442
1929458
1930402
1931380
1932399
1933370
1934359
1935365
1936381
1937393
1938445
1939428
1940540
1941587
1942742
1943694
1944730
1945621
1946728
1947857
1948848
1949854
1950769
1951665
1952694
1953620
1954645
1955604
1956536
1957521
1958557
1959489
1960484
1961435
1962428
1963448
1964425
1965442
1966334
1967347
1968324
1969348
1970349
1971335
1972345
1973360
1974507
19751,049
19761,233
19771,105
19781,312
19791,254
19801,116
19811,024
19821,127
19831,089
19841,166
19851,025
19861,234
19871,700
19882,141
19892,439
19904,628
19915,602
19925,811
19936,343
19946,432
19957,626
19968,125
19979,479
199810,610
199911,257
200012,855
200113,977
200214,630
200316,154
200416,108
200515,699
200615,507
200716,588
200817,087
200917,443
201017,037
201117,334
201217,332
201318,453
201419,836
201519,726
201619,409
201718,777
201818,055
201918,569
202017,682
202117,841
202216,654
202315,313
202414,718