Overview
If you’re wondering what the #1 most popular US baby girl name is, you found it! Olivia is a beloved favorite, ranking as #1 for four consecutive years.
Olivia is another beautiful nature-inspired name with an elegant and classic vibe. No wonder William Shakespeare chose this name for his beautiful main character in “Twelfth Night.”
This article will help you learn more about this timeless and most popular name and will hopefully help you decide if it’s the baby name you’re looking for. (1)
You’ll also learn about the meaning of Olivia and some popular namesakes.
Information About Olivia
Meaning Of The Name Olivia & Origin
Origin
- Latin
Meaning
- From the Latin word “Oliva” or “the olive tree”
- The olive branch is also considered a symbol of peace
Is Olivia Spanish Or Italian?
The name Olivia can also be a Spanish and Italian girl name.
Is Olivia A Goddess Or A Mythical Name?
There’s no specific goddess or mythical creature associated with Olivia. However, in Greek mythology, olive trees symbolize peace and reconciliation. This is where the popular term “to extend an olive branch” originated, which means to make an offering of peace.
What Does The Name Olivia Mean In The Bible?
While Olivia wasn’t mentioned specifically in the Bible, olive oil and trees are mentioned several times and considered an important part of the anointing of the Holy Spirit. They are symbols of grace and the relationship between God and His people. (2)
Olivia Name History: How Long Has Olivia Been Around?
The name Olivia can be traced back around the 17th century when William Shakespeare used the name for his beautiful and wealthy heroine in the play Twelfth Night (written between 1601 and 1602) Since then, it has grown in popularity throughout the years. (3)
Alternative Spellings For The Name Olivia
- Olyvia
- Ollivia
- Ollyvya
Olivia’s Name Pronunciation
- “Oh-LIV-ee-ah”
Number Of Syllables
- 4 syllables
What’s The Gender Of Olivia’s Name?
Typically used for females while the name Oliver is its male form.
What Does The Name Olivia Symbolize?
Following the symbolic meaning of an olive tree for peace, the name Olivia can symbolize harmony, tranquility, peace, and love.
US Stats: Is The Name Olivia Popular?
Olivia’s Popularity Trend Over The Years
Olivia has been a favorite baby name in the US for years. According to SSA (Social Security Administration), it has been consistently part of the Top 10 Most Popular Baby Names since 2001. (4)
Olivia’s Popularity In The US
Olivia has been #1 in the list of the most popular baby names for four consecutive years from 2019-2022. (1)
Where Is The Name Olivia Popular?
English-speaking countries such as:
- Britain
- Australia
- Canada
FAQs About Olivia’s Name Meaning
Does Olivia Have A Positive Meaning & Connotation?
Definitely! The famous Olivia character in Shakespeare’s play was a determined lady who was both beautiful and intelligent. The olive tree also represented wisdom and blessings from the Divine. (4)
What Is The Style Of The Name Olivia?
Like Shakespeare‘s heroine, Olivia sounds classy and elegant and gives off a wealthy noblewoman vibe.
What Might People Think About The Name Olivia?
Olivia from “The Twelfth Night” would easily come to mind if you’re into Shakespeare and theater. But if you’re into Hollywood, the name might remind you of Olivia Pope, the main character in the hit TV series “Scandal” or of the singer and actress Olivia Newton-John.
What Is The Personality Of Olivia?
The archetype of Olivia is someone strong, loving, and loyal. She tends to seek peace and harmony in her life.
What Is The Numerology Of Olivia?
Olivia is a 5 in numerology and tends to be a visionary with big dreams, brave, adaptable, and seeks adventure. (5)
What Does The Name Olivia Mean Spiritually?
The name Olivia represents peace, healing, reconciliation, and love.
What Does Olivia Mean For A Girl?
It’s a classic and nature-inspired name that could describe an adventurous girl who seeks tranquility. She also tends to be peace-loving and avoids or handles conflicts well.
Does Olivia Mean Beautiful?
Not really. The name Olivia comes from the Latin word “Oliva,” referring to olive trees, symbols of peace and reconciliation.
Why Do Parents Choose The Name Olivia For Their Child?
Most parents who choose the name Olivia tend to like the name’s elegant and classic style.
Olivia Name Variations & Different Spellings
Olivia Girl Name Variations
- Alyvia
- Alivia
- Elivia
- Livia
- Olivette
- Olva
- Oliva
- Olive
Olivia Boy Name Variations
- Oliver
- Olivier
- Ollie
- Olivander
What Are Nicknames And Diminutives For Olivia?
- Lia
- Liv
- Livi
- Livia
- Livie
- Livvy
- Via
Other Girl Names That Start With The Letter O
- Octavia
- Odette
- Olena
- Olga
- Oli
- Olympia
- Ophelia
- Ora
Names You Can Pair With Olivia
Middle Names For Girls To Pair With Olivia
- Amelia
- Brielle
- Charlotte
- Elizabeth (Hebrew origin, also a vintage girl name)
- Eloise
- Emma
- Daphne
- Inez
- Isla
- Lucille
- Margot
- Sophia
Suggested Twin Or Sibling Names
Olivia’s Sister Names
- Aurora
- Esme
- Freya
- Isabella
- Mila
Olivia’s Brother Names
Rhyming Or Similar Names
- Julia
- Sylvia
- Thalia
- Victoria
Other Names That Are Also Related To Trees, Flowers Or Plants
- Magnolia (a flower)
- Azalea (a flowering shrub)
- Hazel (a tree)
- Chloe (a type of rose)
- Dahlia (a flower)
- Camelia ( a flower)
- Rosalia (variation of Rose)
Other Names Related to Shakespeare’s Works
For Girls
- Adriana
- Beatrice
- Helena
- Juliet
- Miranda
- Portia
For Boys
Abram - Antonio
- Ferdinand
- Lear
Macbeth - Romeo
- Troilus
Famous People Named Olivia & Other Related Names
Famous Olivia Celebrities & Figures
Girl Olivia
- Olivia de Havilland – British-American actress
- Olivia Rodrigo – American singer
- Olivia Munn – American actress
- Olivia Wilde – American actress
- Olivia Newton-John – an English–Australian singer, songwriter, actress
- Olivia Colman – English actress
- Olivia Culpo – Miss USA 2012
- Olivia Goldsmith – American author
Oliver, Olivander, & Other Boy Variations
- Olivier Martinez – French actor
- Oliver Hudson – American actor
- Oliver Platt – American actor
Fictional Characters Named Olivia In Pop Culture & Fiction (Or Variations)
- Olivia Benson – Character on the TV show, “Law & Order”
- Olivia Dunham – Character on the TV show, “The Fringe”
- Olivia Pope – Character on the TV show, “Scandal”
- Olivia Williams – Character on show TV show, “Buffy the Vampire Slayer”
Celebrities Who Chose Olivia’s Name Or Variations For Their Babies
- Isla Fisher and Sacha Baron Cohen
- Jake Owen
- Drew Barrymore (Olive)
Olivia’s Name In Songs
- “Olivia” – by One Direction
- “Olivia Lost and Turned Out” – by The Whispers
- “Olivia” – by Edie Brickel
- “Princess Olivia” – by Prince Stewart
Name Lists With “Olivia” On Motherhood Community
Other Baby Girl Name Meanings
- Adeline name meaning
- Brielle name meaning
- Chloe name meaning
- Hannah name meaning
- Isabella name meaning
- Nicole name meaning
- Rose name meaning
- Sarah name meaning
- Victoria name meaning
- What does the name Emma mean?
Other Baby Boy Name Meanings
- Alex name meaning
- Andrew name meaning
- Charles name meaning
- Daniel name meaning
- Jack name meaning
- James name meaning
- Jordan name meaning
- Roman name meaning
- William name meaning
Baby Name Lists By Letter
- Girl names starting with A
- Boy names starting with F
- Boy names starting with G
- Girl names starting with G
- Boy names starting with J
- Girl names starting with J
- Girl names starting with K
- Boy names that start with L
- Boy names starting with N
- Boy names starting with R
- Boy names that start with V
- Boy names starting with W
References
(1) https://www.ssa.gov/oact/babynames/top5names.html
(2) https://evangelicalfocus.com/zoe/10792/the-oil-tree
(3) https://folgerpedia.folger.edu/Twelfth_Night#:~:text=Shakespeare%20probably%20wrote%20Twelfth%20Night,Farewell%20to%20the%20Military%20Profession.
(4) https://study.com/learn/lesson/olivia-twelfth-night–shakespeare.html
(5) https://angelsname.com/girl/olivia/meaning-origin-numerology-personality-traits-horoscope-detailed-information-about-name-olivia