Baby Names Girl Names Olivia Name Meaning Olivia is frequently used as a girl name. Learn more about the meaning, origin, and popularity of the name Olivia. By Alex Vance Published on May 10, 2024 Fact checked by Sarah Scott In This Article View All In This Article How Popular Is The Name Olivia? Name Variations Similar Names Common Nicknames Suggested Sibling Names Famous People Named Olivia Close Looking for a baby girl name that has historic roots and a touch of modern elegance? You may have found it with Olivia. Olivia is a Latin name meaning "olive tree," and the feminine alternative to the boy name Oliver. Records of the name Olivia date back to 13th-century England. Its initial popularity might be attributed to the beautiful, sought-after heiress in William Shakespeare's play, Twelfth Night. The name Olivia is considered an earthy, nature-inspired baby name. Olive trees and branches often represented peace and prosperity, making the name Olivia a peaceful yet strong baby name. There are only a handful of popular "O" names for girls in the US, with Olivia taking charge as the favorite. In fact, as of 2023, Olivia was the most popular female baby name in the entire country. Origin: The name Olivia is a Latin name meaning "olive" or "olive tree." Gender: Olivia is frequently used as a girl name. The masculine alternative, Oliver, is commonly used for boys. Pronunciation: Oh-LIV-ee-ah 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. How Popular Is The Name Olivia? Olivia is a wildly popular name for baby girls, not just in the United States but throughout the UK, Australia, and Canada. It has ranked in the top 100 US names since 1990. After the premiere of Scandal in 2012, Olivia's popularity skyrocketed thanks to the TV show's powerful lead character, Olivia Pope. In 2014, the refreshingly strong name made the jump from #3 to the #2 spot in the US, remaining there until its victorious transition to #1 in 2019. According to the Social Security Administration, Olivia was also the most popular girl name in 2022. Name Variations Here are the most common variations of the name Olivia: Olyvia (English)Alyvia (English)Lyvia (English)Livia (English, Latin)Olive (English, Latin)Livie (Latin)Olivie (Latin) Similar Names Love the sound of the name Olivia? Consider these other girl names ending in A: Emma Ava Sophia Isabella Amelia Mia Aria Stella Brianna Ella Anna Moira Mia Bella Arianna Maya Other girl names starting with O: Ophelia Octavia Oakley October Oaklynn Ocean Opal Oona Other trending girl names for those who like the name Olivia: Charlotte Juliette Elizabeth Lily Violet Grace Lucy Claire Caroline Abigail Madison Chloe Harper Common Nicknames Common nicknames for Olivia include: Liv: Suitable for a lively, energetic personality. Liv is a Scandinavian word meaning "life." It also has old Norse origins to the meaning of "shield" or "protection." Aerosmith lead singer Steven Tyler created a buzz around the name Liv with his actress daughter, Liv Tyler (known for her movie roles in Empire Records, Armageddon, and The Lord of the Rings). Ollie: Describes someone patient, kind, and generous. Once reserved for boys, Ollie is a charming, unique nickname that is becoming a more popular option for girls. Livie: Similar to Liv, the nickname Livie is perfect for those with fun, outgoing personalities. Livie is a cheerful, playful name for those who are optimistic, funny, easy-going, and always up for a good time. Suggested Sibling Names Evelyn Hannah Owen Alexander Levi Eva Claudia Tyler Ethan Brooke Matthew Jack Famous People Named Olivia Whether it's iconic singer and actress Olivia Newton-John from Grease or modern-day movie stars like Olivia Munn, the name Olivia has certainly made a lasting impression on pop culture. In contrast, it is also the name of Saint Olivia of Palermo, a 9th-century Sicilian patron saint. Famous Olivias Olivia Wilde, American Broadway actress, director, and television/film star best known for her role in the TV drama, HouseOlivia Frances Culpo, Miss USA and Miss Universe 2012Olivia Goldsmith, an American author best known for her novel, The First Wives Club, which was adapted into a popular movie in 1996Olivia Mary de Havilland, British-American actress and two-time Oscar winner, known for starring in Gone With the Wind (1939) and The Heiress (1949)Olivia Smart, three-time British national junior champion ice dancer Fictional Olivias Olivia Benson, detective on the TV drama Law & Order: Special Victims UnitOlivia Pope, crisis manager on the TV political drama ScandalOlivia Castle, a main character in the Final Destination movie seriesOlivia Dunham, FBI agent in the science-fiction TV series, Fringe 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 Girl Names 100 Latin Baby Names and Meanings 300 Popular Baby Names Ending in A, N, and Y 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. Olivia. Online Etymology Dictionary. 2023. Top 10 Baby Names of 2023. Social Security Administration. 2023.