Baby Names Boy Names Oliver Name Meaning Oliver is most often used as a boy name. Learn more about the meaning, origin, and popularity of the name Oliver. By Meena Azzollini Published on July 30, 2024 In This Article View All In This Article How Popular Is the Name Oliver? Name Variations Similar Names Common Nicknames for Oliver Suggested Sibling Names Famous People Named Oliver Close Oliver is a well-known name, popular in the United States, the UK, and Australia. The name Oliver is associated with the Latin word olivarius, which means “olive planter.” In French, olivier means "olive tree." The spelling of the name Olivier changed to Oliver, and it became a common medieval name in England. The olive tree has long been associated with peace, dignity, fruitfulness, and beauty. The name Oliver is also believed to have ties with the old Norse name Áleifr, meaning “ancestor’s descendent.” Origin: Oliver comes from the Latin and French words for “olive” or “olive tree.” It also originates from Old Norse meaning “ancestor’s descendants.”Gender: Oliver is commonly used as a name for boys.Pronunciation: ahl-i-vehr Editor's Note Although many baby names are separated by gender, Parents believes that sex does not need to play a role in your name selection process. It’s important to select a name that you feel suits your new baby the best. Willie B. Thomas / Getty Images How Popular Is the Name Oliver? Oliver was quite a popular name in the United States in 1900, when it was ranked at No. 95. It then dropped to its lowest ranking at No. 472 in 1986. However, Oliver has made a turnaround, ranking back in the top 100 most popular US boy names in 2009. Since 2017, Oliver has ranked in the top 10 boy names in the US, ranking as high as the No. 3 boy name from 2019 to 2023. Oliver was also the most popular name for baby boys in England from 2016 to 2020. In 2021, Oliver dropped a spot to become the second most popular name for English baby boys. For 10 years, Oliver has remained the top boy name in Australia as well. In a 2023 recent report of Australian baby names, Oliver topped the list of boy names. Name Variations The following are variations of the name Oliver: Oilibhéar (Irish) Oilibhéir (Irish) Olivér (Hungarian) Óliver (Spanish) Olivier (French) Oliviero (Italian) Olívio (Portuguese) Oliwer (Polish) Oliwier (Polish) Similar Names Similar sounding names to Oliver include: AlexanderAlistairDonovanEverettFraserOscarRiver Other names starting with "O" include: OlinOrenOrionOtisOwen Common Nicknames for Oliver For fans of nicknames, Olly or Ollie are the most common nicknames for baby Olivers. Suggested Sibling Names Looking for a sibling name for Oliver? Here are some popular suggestions: AbigailAliceFrederickGeorgeHenryIsabellaOliviaThomas Famous People Named Oliver There are many famous people named Oliver throughout history. Oliver Cromwell, English general and statesman, who led armies against King Charles I during the English Civil WarOliver Goldsmith, 18th-century Irish poetOliver Heaviside, English mathematician and physicist who invented a new technique for solving differential equationsOliver Hudson, American actorOliver North, American political commentator, television host, military historian, and author, known for his involvement in the Iran-Contra affairOliver McCall, American professional boxerOliver Hardy, American comic actor and one half of the Laurel and Hardy double actOliver Platt, American stage, film, and TV actorOliver Stone, American filmmaker, director, and writer best known for the movie Scarface and war drama Platoon More Baby Names Still searching for the perfect baby name? Check out these related baby name lists for even more options: Top 1,000 Baby Boy Names 100 Gender-Neutral Baby Names 50 Viking Baby Names Was this page helpful? Thanks for your feedback! Tell us why! Other Submit Sources Parents uses only high-quality sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts within our articles. Read our editorial process to learn more about how we fact-check and keep our content accurate, reliable, and trustworthy. The Olive Tree: A Symbol. Olive Cultivation. 2021. Popularity of Name Oliver. Social Security Administration. 2024. Baby names for boys in England and Wales. UK Office for National Statistics. 2022. Baby names report 2023. McCrindle. 2023.