The name Olivier has its origins in the Latin "Olivarius" or "Olivaris," which means "olive tree" or "related to olives." It is a French form of the Latin name Oliver. The name gained popularity during the Middle Ages in France and other parts of Western Europe.

In the 12th century, the name Olivier was associated with the legendary figure of Oliver, one of the Twelve Peers of Charlemagne and a close companion of the French hero Roland. Oliver's exploits were immortalized in the epic poem "The Song of Roland," which helped spread the name's fame across Europe.

One of the earliest recorded bearers of the name Olivier was Olivier de Termes, a 12th-century French nobleman and crusader. He participated in the Third Crusade and played a significant role in the siege of Acre in 1191.

During the Renaissance period, the name Olivier gained further prominence. Olivier de la Marche (1426-1501) was a Burgundian chronicler and court historian who wrote extensively about the Dukes of Burgundy. Another notable figure was Olivier de Clisson (1336-1407), a French military leader and Constable of France during the Hundred Years' War.

In the 16th century, Olivier de Serres (1539-1619) was a French writer and agronomist, often referred to as the "father of French agriculture." His influential work, "Théâtre d'Agriculture et Mesnage des Champs" (The Theater of Agriculture and Manual of Fields), played a significant role in advancing agricultural practices in France.

The name Olivier also had a literary presence. Olivier Basselin (c. 1400-1450) was a French poet credited with popularizing the vaux-de-vire, a style of satirical poetry. Olivier Twist, the main character in Charles Dickens' famous novel "Oliver Twist" (1838), contributed to the recognition of the name in the English-speaking world.

In the 20th century, Olivier Messiaen (1908-1992) was a renowned French composer, organist, and ornithologist, known for incorporating bird songs into his compositions. Olivier Gendebien (1924-1998) was a Belgian racing driver who won the 24 Hours of Le Mans twice, in 1958 and 1960.