Oliver
Oliver is a boy's name of Latin origin.
Meaning
Olive tree; symbol of peace.
Origin and history
Oliver is derived from the Latin word 'olivarius', meaning 'olive tree', though it may also have Germanic roots linked to 'Óleifr'. The name was popularized in medieval Western Europe through the French epic 'La Chanson de Roland'. In recent years, Oliver has risen to become one of the most popular choices for baby boys in the United States.
Popularity in the United States
269,903 babies in the United States have been named Oliver since 1880. It ranks #139 all-time. Among babies born since 2020 it ranks #3.
States where it is most popular
- CA (10.8 %)
- TX (7.8 %)
- NY (5.3 %)
- FL (4.5 %)
- IL (4.2 %)
Trends by decade
| Decade | Births |
|---|---|
| 1880-1890 | 2,287 |
| 1890-1900 | 2,035 |
| 1900-1910 | 2,088 |
| 1910-1920 | 8,657 |
| 1920-1930 | 10,900 |
| 1930-1940 | 6,709 |
| 1940-1950 | 6,057 |
| 1950-1960 | 4,987 |
| 1960-1970 | 3,340 |
| 1970-1980 | 3,732 |
| 1980-1990 | 4,153 |
| 1990-2000 | 6,570 |
| 2000-2010 | 20,935 |
| 2010-2019 | 98,160 |
| 2020-2029 | 89,293 |
Famous people named Oliver
- Oliver Cromwell: Military Leader, Statesman
- Oliver Stone: Film Director, Screenwriter
Nicknames
Ollie, Olly
Fun facts
- The name gained widespread literary popularity through Charles Dickens's famous 1838 novel, 'Oliver Twist'.
- Oliver became one of the top three most popular boys' names in the United States during the 2020s.