The name Ollie is a diminutive form of the male given name Oliver, which has its roots in the Old French and Old German languages. The name Oliver is derived from the Old German name Alfihar, which is a compound of the elements "alf" meaning "elf" and "hari" meaning "army" or "warrior." Therefore, the name Ollie can be interpreted as "the elf warrior" or "the elf soldier."

In the Middle Ages, the name Oliver gained popularity across Europe, particularly in France and England. One of the earliest recorded instances of the name can be found in the Old French epic poem "La Chanson de Roland" (The Song of Roland), written in the late 11th century. In this literary work, Oliver is depicted as a brave and loyal knight who fights alongside the legendary hero Roland.

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

Another prominent Ollie was Oliver Wendell Holmes Sr. (1809-1894), an American physician, poet, and author, best known for his literary works such as "The Autocrat of the Breakfast-Table" and "The Deacon's Masterpiece."

In the world of sports, Ollie Matson (1930-2011) was an American professional football player who excelled as a running back and kick returner for various teams, including the Chicago Cardinals and the Los Angeles Rams.

Moving to the realm of entertainment, Ollie Johnston (1912-2008) was a renowned American animator and one of the core animators at Walt Disney Studios, known for his work on classic films like "Bambi," "Cinderella," and "The Jungle Book."

Lastly, Ollie Reed (1938-1999) was an English actor known for his intense and often controversial roles in films like "Women in Love," "The Devils," and "Castaway."

These are just a few examples of notable figures throughout history who have carried the name Ollie, a diminutive form with a rich heritage and a connection to the idea of a brave and valiant warrior.