Find out how popular the first name Ola has been for the last 50 years (from 1974 to 2023) and learn more about the meaning and history.

Popularity of Ola by gender

Based on the last 50 years of data, Ola is more commonly used as a female name, with approximately 98% of people named Ola being female.

For the most recent data in 2023, there were 17 female babies and 0 male babies born with the name Ola.

The history of the first name Ola

The name Ola has its roots in various cultures and languages across the world. It is believed to have originated from the Scandinavian languages, particularly Old Norse, where it was a diminutive form of the name Olav or Olof, meaning "ancestor's descendant" or "heir." The name Ola was commonly used in Scandinavia, particularly in Norway and Sweden, during the medieval period.

In Polish, the name Ola is a diminutive form of the name Aleksandra, derived from the Greek name Alexandra, meaning "defender of men." It has been a popular name in Poland for centuries, and its usage can be traced back to the Middle Ages.

The name Ola also has roots in the Yoruba language of West Africa, where it means "wealth" or "prosperity." It is a traditional name in Nigeria and other parts of West Africa, often given to children as a wish for a prosperous life.

One of the earliest recorded instances of the name Ola can be found in the Icelandic sagas, which are medieval literary works that recount the history and legends of Iceland and Scandinavia. In the Saga of Burnt Njal, written in the 13th century, there is a character named Ola who plays a significant role.

Throughout history, there have been several notable individuals who bore the name Ola. One of the most famous was Ola Hansson (1860-1925), a Swedish writer and poet who was a prominent figure in the Scandinavian literary movement known as the Modern Breakthrough.

Another notable Ola was Ola Källenius (1969-), a Swedish businessman who currently serves as the Chairman of the Board of Management of Mercedes-Benz Group AG, one of the world's leading automotive companies.

In the field of sports, Ola Vigen Hattestad (1982-) is a Norwegian cross-country skier who has won multiple Olympic and World Championship medals, making him one of the most successful athletes in his sport.

Ola Dybvik-Øren (1968-) is a Norwegian politician who served as the Minister of Agriculture and Food from 2013 to 2021, representing the Centre Party.

Lastly, Ola Giæver (1837-1886) was a Norwegian explorer and whaling captain who is credited with being the first person to sight and map the island of Bouvet in the Southern Ocean, which is now a Norwegian territory.

Data source

The first name data used on this page comes from the Social Security Administration (SSA). They've been collecting data on baby names since 1880.

The history and meaning of the name Ola was researched and written by our team of onomatology and genealogy experts.

If you have a correction or suggestion to improve the history of Ola, please contact us.

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