Ole
Ole is a boy's name of Norse origin.
Meaning
Ancestor's descendant or heritage.
Origin and history
Ole is a traditional Scandinavian masculine name derived from Old Norse terms meaning ancestral legacy or heritage. Historically common among Scandinavian immigrants to the U.S., it experienced high usage in the late 19th and early 20th centuries. Today, it remains a rare but recognizable choice with Nordic heritage appeal.
Popularity in the United States
2,125 babies in the United States have been named Ole since 1880. It ranks #2799 all-time. Among babies born since 2020 it ranks #1810.
States where it is most popular
- MN (57.5 %)
- ND (27.1 %)
- WA (4.6 %)
- NY (4.2 %)
- CA (2.5 %)
Trends by decade
| Decade | Births |
|---|---|
| 1880-1890 | 310 |
| 1890-1900 | 165 |
| 1900-1910 | 122 |
| 1910-1920 | 280 |
| 1920-1930 | 216 |
| 1930-1940 | 151 |
| 1940-1950 | 116 |
| 1950-1960 | 148 |
| 1960-1970 | 109 |
| 1970-1980 | 92 |
| 1980-1990 | 40 |
| 1990-2000 | 19 |
| 2000-2010 | 75 |
| 2010-2019 | 165 |
| 2020-2029 | 117 |
Famous people named Ole
- Ole Gunnar Solskjær: Footballer, Manager
- Ole Kirk Christiansen: Entrepreneur, Inventor
- Ole Einar Bjørndalen: Biathlete, Olympian
Fun facts
- Ole originated as a Norwegian and Danish diminutive of the Old Norse name Óláfr, which also gave rise to Olaf.
- The name was most popular in the United States during the late 19th century, particularly in Upper Midwest states settled by Scandinavian immigrants.