The name Oliver is derived from the Old French name Ollivier, which itself came from the ancient Germanic name Alfihar. The name Alfihar is composed of the elements "alf" meaning "elf" and "hari" meaning "army" or "warrior". Together, they create the meaning "elf warrior" or "the elfin ruler".

The name Oliver first appeared during the Middle Ages in France, where it gained popularity due to its association with the legendary hero Oliver, a close advisor and companion to Charlemagne. Oliver was a celebrated character in the medieval French epic poem "The Song of Roland", which recounted the battles between the Franks and the Moors during Charlemagne's reign.

One of the earliest recorded uses of the name Oliver dates back to the 11th century, when it was borne by Oliver de Breteuil, a Norman nobleman who accompanied William the Conqueror during the Norman conquest of England in 1066. After the conquest, the name Oliver became more widespread throughout England and other parts of Britain.

Throughout history, several notable figures have borne the name Oliver. One of the most famous was Oliver Cromwell (1599-1658), the English military and political leader who played a crucial role in the English Civil War and served as Lord Protector of the Commonwealth of England, Scotland, and Ireland.

Another famous Oliver was the English poet Oliver Goldsmith (1728-1774), best known for his novels "The Vicar of Wakefield" and "The Deserted Village", as well as the play "She Stoops to Conquer". Goldsmith was a prominent figure in the literary circles of 18th-century London.

In the realm of science, Oliver Heaviside (1850-1925) was a self-taught English mathematician and physicist who made significant contributions to the understanding of electromagnetism and the development of vector calculus.

The name Oliver also has religious connections. Saint Oliver Plunkett (1629-1681) was an Irish Roman Catholic archbishop who became a martyr and was canonized by the Catholic Church in 1975.

Finally, in the world of entertainment, Oliver Reed (1938-1999) was a renowned English actor known for his roles in films such as "Oliver!", "The Three Musketeers", and "Gladiator".