Olaf
Olaf is a boy's name of Norse origin.
Meaning
Ancestor's descendant or relic of the ancestor.
Origin and history
Olaf is a traditional Scandinavian male name derived from Old Norse elements meaning ancestor's descendant. Historically prominent among Nordic royalty, it became globally recognized in modern pop culture through the animated character in Disney's Frozen. In the United States, it remains a rare given name with steady, low-frequency usage.
Popularity in the United States
2,531 babies in the United States have been named Olaf since 1880. It ranks #2574 all-time. Among babies born since 2020 it ranks #1892.
States where it is most popular
- MN (30.4 %)
- ND (27.7 %)
- NY (14.6 %)
- CA (11.4 %)
- WI (6.2 %)
Trends by decade
| Decade | Births |
|---|---|
| 1880-1890 | 149 |
| 1890-1900 | 124 |
| 1900-1910 | 126 |
| 1910-1920 | 501 |
| 1920-1930 | 357 |
| 1930-1940 | 190 |
| 1940-1950 | 137 |
| 1950-1960 | 142 |
| 1960-1970 | 175 |
| 1970-1980 | 148 |
| 1980-1990 | 79 |
| 1990-2000 | 98 |
| 2000-2010 | 137 |
| 2010-2019 | 133 |
| 2020-2029 | 35 |
Famous people named Olaf
- Olaf Palme: Prime Minister, Politician
Fun facts
- The name was borne by several medieval Scandinavian kings, including King Olaf II of Norway.
- The name gained widespread global familiarity through the lovable snowman character in Disney's Frozen.