Olive Name Meaning

The olive branch is a symbol of peace and the olive tree is a symbol of wisdom. The name Olive, therefore, carries with it connotations of peace and wisdom. It’s a name that has stood the test of time and continues to be a popular choice for parents today.

Origins of the Name Olive

The name Olive has its roots in ancient Greece and Rome. In Greek mythology, the goddess Athena was said to have created the olive tree, and in Rome, the olive branch was a symbol of peace. The name Olive itself comes from the Latin word “oliva,” which means “olive tree.”

Popularity of the Name Olive

The name Olive didn’t become popular as a girl’s name until the 19th century. One reason for this could be the rise of the middle class during this time period. As families moved up the social ladder, they began to place a greater emphasis on education and culture, which included giving their children “refined” names. Olive, with its classical roots, fit the bill perfectly.

The 20th century saw a rise in the popularity of the name Olive. In the early 1900s, it was a top 100 name in the United States and remained popular throughout the century. One reason for its continued popularity could be the fact that it’s a versatile name that can be shortened to “Ollie” or “Liv” for a more modern feel.

Famous Olives

The name Olive has also appeared in popular culture throughout the years. One of the most famous Olives is Olive Oyl, the love interest of Popeye the Sailor in the comic strip of the same name. In recent years, the name Olive has been used in literature, film, and television. In the movie “Little Miss Sunshine,” the main character’s name is Olive, and in the TV show “Parenthood,” one of the characters is named Olive.

Final Thoughts on the Name Olive

In conclusion, the name Olive has ancient roots, but it didn’t become popular until the 19th century. It’s a versatile name that can be shortened for a more modern feel and has appeared in popular culture throughout the years. The name also carries with it connotations of peace and wisdom, thanks to the olive branch and tree. So, if you’re looking for a name with a rich history and a peaceful meaning, Olive might just be the perfect choice for your little girl.

Infographic of Olive name meaning, which is A name derived from the olive tree, Olive is of English origins.
Ask your friends & family about Olive…

Olive Name Popularity

How popular is the name Olive? Here’s everything we know.

Year Rank # Births % Births
1910 — 624 0.1772%
1911 — 664 0.1783%
1912 — 853 0.1691%
1913 — 979 0.1727%
1914 — 1,174 0.1685%
1915 — 1,647 0.1813%
1916 — 1,600 0.1656%
1917 — 1,559 0.1558%
1918 — 1,614 0.1504%
1919 — 1,468 0.1402%
1920 — 1,547 0.1391%
1921 — 1,553 0.1356%
1922 — 1,307 0.1173%
1923 — 1,205 0.1076%
1924 — 1,048 0.0902%
1925 — 956 0.0846%
1926 — 849 0.0772%
1927 — 865 0.0781%
1928 — 762 0.0712%
1929 — 632 0.061%
1930 — 506 0.0484%
1931 — 479 0.0485%
1932 — 449 0.0454%
1933 — 342 0.0367%
1934 — 273 0.0282%
1935 — 237 0.0244%
1936 — 215 0.0223%
1937 — 177 0.018%
1938 — 189 0.0185%
1939 — 181 0.0178%
1940 — 108 0.0102%
1941 — 147 0.0131%
1942 — 125 0.0099%
1943 — 129 0.0099%
1944 — 58 0.0047%
1945 — 79 0.0065%
1946 — 56 0.0038%
1947 — 44 0.0026%
1948 — 64 0.004%
1949 — 40 0.0025%
1950 — 43 0.0027%
1951 — 19 0.0011%
1952 — 21 0.0012%
1953 — 24 0.0014%
1954 — 6 0.0003%
1955 — 10 0.0005%
1956 — 23 0.0012%
1957 — 12 0.0006%
1958 — 10 0.0005%
1959 — 6 0.0003%
1960 — 0 0%
1961 — 0 0%
1962 — 5 0.0003%
1963 — 0 0%
1964 — 0 0%
1965 — 0 0%
1966 — 0 0%
1967 — 0 0%
1968 — 0 0%
1969 — 0 0%
1970 — 0 0%
1971 — 0 0%
1972 — 0 0%
1973 — 0 0%
1974 — 0 0%
1975 — 0 0%
1976 — 0 0%
1977 — 0 0%
1978 — 0 0%
1979 — 0 0%
1980 — 0 0%
1981 — 0 0%
1982 — 0 0%
1983 — 0 0%
1984 — 0 0%
1985 — 0 0%
1986 — 0 0%
1987 — 0 0%
1988 — 0 0%
1989 — 0 0%
1990 — 0 0%
1991 — 0 0%
1992 — 0 0%
1993 — 5 0.0003%
1994 — 0 0%
1995 — 0 0%
1996 — 0 0%
1997 — 0 0%
1998 — 0 0%
1999 — 5 0.0003%
2000 — 8 0.0005%
2001 — 0 0%
2002 — 11 0.0007%
2003 — 13 0.0009%
2004 — 8 0.0005%
2005 — 48 0.0031%
2006 — 67 0.0043%
2007 — 216 0.0137%
2008 — 309 0.02%
2009 — 461 0.0308%
2010 — 498 0.0346%
2011 — 730 0.0512%
2012 — 840 0.0589%
2013 — 1,076 0.0756%
2014 — 1,124 0.0771%
2015 — 1,191 0.0819%
2016 — 1,138 0.0789%
2017 — 1,217 0.0872%
2018 — 1,190 0.0866%
2019 — 1,398 0.1033%
2020 — 1,429 0.1123%
2021 — 1,529 0.1251%
2022 — 1,816 0.1377%
2023 — 1,641 0.1268%

Alaska (AK)

Alabama (AL)

Arkansas (AR)

Arizona (AZ)

California (CA)

Colorado (CO)

Connecticut (CT)

District of Columbia (DC)

Delaware (DE)

Florida (FL)

Georgia (GA)

Hawaii (HI)

Iowa (IA)

Idaho (ID)

Illinois (IL)

Indiana (IN)

Kansas (KS)

Kentucky (KY)

Louisiana (LA)

Massachusetts (MA)

Maryland (MD)

Maine (ME)

Michigan (MI)

Minnesota (MN)

Missouri (MO)

Mississippi (MS)

Montana (MT)

North Carolina (NC)

North Dakota (ND)

Nebraska (NE)

New Hampshire (NH)

New Jersey (NJ)

New Mexico (NM)

Nevada (NV)

New York (NY)

Ohio (OH)

Oklahoma (OK)

Oregon (OR)

Pennsylvania (PA)

Rhode Island (RI)

South Carolina (SC)

South Dakota (SD)

Tennessee (TN)

Texas (TX)

Utah (UT)

Virginia (VA)

Vermont (VT)

Washington (WA)

Wisconsin (WI)

West Virginia (WV)

Wyoming (WY)

Data via SSA.gov.

Names Like Olive

If you like Olive, you’ll love these other names like Olive.

What names sound like Olive?

If you like how Olive sounds, you might also like these names that sound like Olive.

Name Meaning Origin Popularity Other Gender
Oliff

Olive tree

Latin

Oliffe

Olive tree

Latin

Oliva

Olive tree

Latin

Oliveea

Olive tree

Latin

Olivya

Olive tree

Latin

Olva

Olive tree

Latin

What names are similar to Olive?

Find a name that’s like Olive, but just a little bit different.

Name Meaning Origin Popularity Other Gender
Oline

Joyous

Polynesian

Olivet

Olive tree

Latin

Lists With Olive

Find inspiration in these baby girl name lists featuring the name Olive.

Siblings of Olive

Mamas with kids named Olive also have kids with these names.

Name Meaning Origin Popularity Other Gender
Isla

Island

Scottish

Trinity

The Holy Trinity

English

Bear

Strong, brave bear

German

Jubilee

Ram's horn

Hebrew

15 Comments

  1. We found out we were pregnant during Holy Week, and we picked out a belly name that went with that theme: Olive (Garden of Gethsemane). We didn’t know gender, but called the baby Olive for the pregnancy. At birth we learned she was a girl, and we liked Olive as a name by that point, so we went with that!

    Reply

  2. Olive branch is in the Bible, and to me symbolizes new life, redemption and freedom.

    Reply

  3. We named her after the idea of the Olive branch or peace. My husband hates olives (I LOVE them) so she is not named after the food. Green is also my favorite color. ??

    Reply

  4. We chose Olive because of Genesis 8:11 when Noah sends the dove, and dove returns with an olive branch. (My husbands name is also Noah)

    Reply

  5. None

    Reply

  6. My husband chose the name. One meaning is “peace” and we feel that is perfect for her.

    Reply

  7. ? My husband and I didn’t know what we were going to name our fourth baby. We knew she was a girl, but couldn’t agree on anything. We prayed and prayed and prayed. We trusted God would give us her name. He never fails to provide. A week before her birthday we revisited the name Olive. God talks about how the Jew and Gentile will be one in Messiah (I am a Jewish believer in Jesus and my husband is a Gentile believer), one in Jesus, and one in the olive tree. The Bible has so much significance and richness with olives, and with celebrating the biblical feasts (lighting candles in the temple and for Sabbath), there’s oil for anointing, the Mount of Olives where Jesus suffered in the Garden of Gethsemane, and so much more!

    Lastly, my husband and his father love love Olives. His dad passed away 2 years ago, but before he died we were had our third child. When I was around 3 months pregnant with her we decided on the name Jubilee. Just a few days later (after we picked Jubilee’s name) my in-laws brought us a jar of Olives that said Olives Jubilee.

    We believe this was a sign from the Lord to confirm Jubilee’s name, and then God used that same Olive jar to confirm our newborn daughter’s name. ?

    Reply

  8. Olive branches are symbols of peace between God and man. There a symbol of generations sprouting up and trees that are giftsGod extended it with Noah and his family after the flood. Personally I often struggle with feeling like I’ve failed God and yet I’ve known the deep meanings of grace but yet still feel like I’ve disappointed Him in certain seasons of my life where I never feel like enough. Olive was a big grace during pregnancy and birth and felt as though He renewed His covenant with me through the act of having her and giving this gift to me. I’ve just wanted to love for who He is not what He gives me yet he continues to give me such good gifts.
    Psalm 52:8 says but I am like a green olive tree in the house of God. I trust in the steadfast love of God forever and ever! And that’s my for her that she will always feel peace and security with God and trust Him forever 🙂

    Reply

  9. My mom’s name is Holly… you could call her Ollie to rhyme and they are both trees! My name is a color green and so is Olive.

    Beauty like the olive: Strength and prosperity ( Hosea 14:6)
    Green olive tree: Vitality and fruitfulness (Psalm 52:8)
    Green olive tree: fruitfulness and economic prosperity (Jeremiah 11:16)

    Reply

  10. Olive’s full name is rich in family lineage, from both my side and my partners. Additionally there are other layers of meaning for us and we are thrilled she is here earth-side & nailing life!

    Reply

  11. Olive was my moms name – to me she deserved a prettier name. Now my daughter called her first daughter Madeline. Love the name! Now baby 2 is on the way and she’s been thinking of the name Olive

    Reply

  12. I chose the name Olive because my grandmother’s name was Ollie. Olive, means peace and I love the meaning. It’s such an old name that it seems new lol…..i don’t like that people confuse it with Olivia.

    Reply

  13. We were at Olive Garden on a date when I was 23 weeks and my husband had jokingly brought up Olive for her name. He had no idea I had been thinking about it for a while. So we decided right there. It fits her so perfectly.

    Reply

  14. We told our (then) 4yo son I was pregnant, she was the size of an olive. We didn’t know at the time she was a girl but we all continued referring to her as Olive. When we found out she was a girl the name stuck. We decided that would be her actual name.

    Reply

    • Hello. My Name is Olive and I think my name is a Symbol of Peace. My Middle name came from the Matriarch Rose. Olive is a Symbol of Peace

      Reply

Share your thoughts on the name Olive

Your email address will not be published. All fields are required *

*