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

Popularity of Olivia by gender

Based on the last 50 years of data, Olivia is more commonly used as a female name, with approximately 100% of people named Olivia being female.

For the most recent data in 2023, there were 15,270 female babies and 6 male babies born with the name Olivia.

Yes—according to the SSA data, 6 baby boys were named Olivia in 2023, despite it being a predominantly female name. We'd love to know why!

The history of the first name Olivia

The name Olivia has its origins in the Latin language, derived from the word "oliva," meaning "olive." This connection to the olive tree can be traced back to ancient Roman times, where the olive branch was a symbol of peace and fertility.

The name's popularity spread throughout Europe during the Middle Ages, particularly in countries with strong ties to Latin culture, such as Italy, Spain, and France. It was often associated with the olive tree's symbolism of peace, as well as its connection to the Virgin Mary, who was sometimes referred to as the "Olive of Paradise."

One of the earliest recorded uses of the name Olivia can be found in William Shakespeare's play "Twelfth Night," written around 1601. In the play, Olivia is a wealthy and beautiful countess who becomes the object of affection for several characters. This literary reference helped popularize the name in English-speaking countries.

Throughout history, several notable figures have borne the name Olivia. One of the most famous was Olivia de Havilland (1916-2016), the British-American actress who won two Academy Awards for her roles in "To Each His Own" (1946) and "The Heiress" (1949). Another notable Olivia was Olivia Clemens (1845-1890), the wife of famous American author Mark Twain.

In the field of literature, Olivia Shakespear (1863-1938) was a renowned English novelist and essayist, while Olivia Rossetti Agresti (1875-1960) was an Italian writer and activist who campaigned for women's rights. The world of classical music also had its Olivia in the form of Olivia Dussek (1798-1847), a British pianist and composer.

Regardless of its origins, the name Olivia has maintained its popularity across generations, often associated with notions of peace, beauty, and grace. Its enduring charm and classical roots have made it a beloved choice for parents around the world.

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 Olivia was researched and written by our team of onomatology and genealogy experts.

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

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