Olivia Name Meaning: Origin, Popularity & Nicknames %%page%%

What Does Olivia Mean?

Olivia is a female name derived from the male name Oliver, which means “olive tree.” The word also has roots in Greek, meaning that the olive is associated with “peace.”

What Is the Origin of the Name Olivia?

It seems that the name was first used and popularized after Shakespeare penned the Twelfth Night. He speaks of a character named Olivia in the play. For this reason, Olivia is considered to be of English origin, but the word that inspired the name has Greek roots.

The Greek word, Olive, is the inspiration for the name Olivia. Olive refers to the olive tree and the olive branch. The olive branch is a symbol of peace, so the name Olivia and Olive symbolize peace.

How Popular Is the Name Olivia?

Olivia is very popular in the United States and other English-speaking countries. It topped Babycenter’s name list in 2021 and is on track to do so in 2022. It is also one of the top names in Australia.

How Do I Pronounce Olivia?

Olivia is pronounced, “Oh-LIV-ee-ah.” Some people choose to spell it with an “A” at the front or an “E” which changes the pronunciation. Alivia is pronounced more like “Ah-LIV-ee-ah” and Elivia is pronounced more like “Uh-LIV-ee-ah”. No matter the spelling, the emphasis in the name is on the second syllable “LIV”.

Is Olivia a Boy or Girl Name?

The name is a female name. It is a derivation of the male name “Oliver”. There are not many instances reported of a male named Olivia because there is a male counterpart.

Variations of Olivia

Over time, some variations of Olivia have popped up and become a bit more mainstream. These variations generally make the name more unique or more phonetically spelled. Adding variety in spelling is a personal choice you can make to set yourself apart.

• Alivia
• Alyvia
• Elivia
• Elyvia
• Olyvia

Nicknames for Olivia

Olivia is a name that lends itself to nicknames easily. It is a four-syllable name. Shortening Olivia to one or two syllables is common. Here are a few common nicknames you can use. With nicknames, you can choose whatever feels most fitting for you.

• Libby
• Liv
• Livvy
• Loly
• O
• Ollie
• Oli
• Ova

Similar Names to Olivia

Olivia is considered by many to be a sweet, short, sophisticated, and elegant name. There are a few names similar to Olivia but have different meanings. You may find inspiration from Olivia but decide on a similar one instead. If you like Olivia, you might like one of these!

• Abigail
• Alice
• Amelia
• Bella
• Emma
• Lilly
• Olive
• Sophia
• Vivienne (Shortened to Vivi)

Middle Names for Olivia

Olivia is a longer name. By adding a short middle name that has one or two syllables, you will avoid word jumbling when you say the full name. It is also best to keep to the vibe of the first name, so choose something classic and sweet to match Olivia.

Sometimes, people choose a middle name that is a family name, so if that is the case for you, feel free to use it regardless of the number of syllables.

• Anne
• Astrid
• Belle
• Charlotte
• Jade
• Kate
• Marie
• Nicole
• Paige
• Skye

Sibling Names for Olivia

Choosing a sibling name for Olivia can be tough. Sibling names are always hard to choose because you want them to complement each other, but you don’t want them to be so similar that they are indistinguishable.

Work off of the same first letter, the same amount of letters, or the same amount of syllables for an accompanying name. Our ideas work off of these terms, but there are endless possibilities!

• Alicia
• Isabella
• Odessa
• Ophelia
• Pippa

Famous People Named Olivia

Olivia is a common name, but not as much among the rich and famous as you may think. There are a lot of actresses and singers across many cultures that are named Olivia. Since it is a common English name, most famous people named Olivia are of American, British, or Australian descent. We have compiled a list of famous Olivias, but it is not exhaustive.

• Olivia Bertrand: French alpine skier.
• Olivia Blake: British MP.
• Olivia Colman: British actress.
• Olivia Culpo: American beauty pageant winner.
• Olivia Newton-John: British-Australian actress.
• Olivia Rodrigo: American actress and singer.
• Olivia Wilde: American actress.

Olivia in Popular Culture

Olivia is a popular name for popular culture characters like television shows, movies, and books. The first use of Olivia in history regarding printed publications is from the days of Shakespeare. Check out our list below for inspiration from your favorite pop culture icon named Olivia.

• Olivia: Character in Shakespeare’s play Twelfth Night.
• Olivia: Character in Buffy the Vampire Slayer.
• Olivia Benson: The main character from the American television show Law & Order played by Mariska Hargitay.
• Olivia Harper: Character in the American television show Grey’s Anatomy.
• Olivia Pope: The main character in the American television show Scandal played by Kerry Washington.

Olivia FAQs

Have a few questions about the name Olivia? Find your answers here!