Olive Name: Complete Etymology, Meaning & Popularity Analysis
Summary
The name Olive has its roots in Latin, meaning peace and prosperity. It evolved through various languages, reflecting its historical significance. Today, it is viewed positively, often associated with nature and tranquility. The name does not have biblical relevance, but it gained popularity in the 19th century and features notable individuals who have contributed to its legacy.
The name Olive is most popular in Maine, USA across all generations. It ranks highest as a Girl name among the G.I. Generation generation in the Northeast region. Recent 3-year trends show this Girl name is gaining popularity, while the 25-year trend indicates it has been relatively stable. Recent 3-year trends show this Boy name is maintaining steady popularity, while the 25-year trend indicates it has been relatively stable. From 2020-2022, Olive has been too falling for female in MidWest, too falling for female in Northeast, too falling for female in South, too falling for female in West. The long-term 25-year analysis reveals it has been too falling for female in MidWest, stalled for female in Northeast, too falling for female in South, too falling for female in West. Across generations, 'Olive' has shown interesting popularity patterns: Among the G.I. Generation (1901-1927), it ranked 2285th out of 7545 names. Among the Silent Generation (1928-1945), it ranked 3339th out of 6773 names. Among the Baby Boomers (1946-1964), it ranked 6360th out of 7552 names. Among the Generation Z (Gen Z or Zoomers) (1997-2012), it ranked 24088th out of 24088 names. Among the Generation Alpha (2013-2024), it ranked 13385th out of 23106 names. Among the G.I. Generation (1901-1927), it ranked 156th out of 9107 names. Among the Silent Generation (1928-1945), it ranked 377th out of 9204 names. Among the Baby Boomers (1946-1964), it ranked 1289th out of 12526 names. Among the Generation X (Gen X) (1965-1980), it ranked 4110th out of 19264 names. Among the Millennials (Gen Y) (1981-1996), it ranked 7105th out of 27321 names. Among the Generation Z (Gen Z or Zoomers) (1997-2012), it ranked 1017th out of 35406 names. Among the Generation Alpha (2013-2024), it ranked 218th out of 30306 names. Discover how the name 'Olive' has evolved through American history with our comprehensive regional and generational analysis.
Etymology & Cultural Background of "Olive"
Pronunciation
/ˈɒlɪv/
Origin
Latin
Etymology
The name Olive is derived from the Latin word 'oliva', which means 'olive tree'. The olive tree has been a symbol of peace and prosperity throughout history.
Meaning
peace, prosperity
Language Evolution
Latin: Oliva, Old French: Olivie, Middle English: Olif
Historical Usage
The name Olive gained popularity in the 19th century, particularly in English-speaking countries, partly due to the association with the olive tree as a symbol of peace.
Variants & Derivatives
Olivia, Ollie, Olly
Modern Popularity & Image
Today, Olive is perceived as a charming and vintage name that is increasingly popular among parents seeking nature-inspired names.
Famous People
Olive Oatman, an American woman known for her captivity story, Olive Schreiner, a South African writer and feminist, Olive Thomas, an early American silent film actress
Explore More Olive Name Visualizations
Historical Birth Statistics for the Name "Olive"
Note: Years with identical rankings may represent different numbers of births. Data is sourced from Social Security card applications for births in the United States.
Yearly Ranking History of "Olive"
"Olive" Popularity Across American Generations
| Generation | Gender | Rank | Total Names |
|---|---|---|---|
| G.I. Generation (1901-1927) | Boy | 2285th of 7545 | 205 |
| Silent Generation (1928-1945) | Boy | 3339th of 6773 | 92 |
| Baby Boomers (1946-1964) | Boy | 6360th of 7552 | 12 |
| Generation Z (Gen Z or Zoomers) (1997-2012) | Boy | 24088th of 24088 | 5 |
| Generation Alpha (2013-2024) | Boy | 13385th of 23106 | 38 |
| G.I. Generation (1901-1927) | Girl | 156th of 9107 | 27,125 |
| Silent Generation (1928-1945) | Girl | 377th of 9204 | 5,986 |
| Baby Boomers (1946-1964) | Girl | 1289th of 12526 | 1,215 |
| Generation X (Gen X) (1965-1980) | Girl | 4110th of 19264 | 234 |
| Millennials (Gen Y) (1981-1996) | Girl | 7105th of 27321 | 166 |
| Generation Z (Gen Z or Zoomers) (1997-2012) | Girl | 1017th of 35406 | 3,782 |
| Generation Alpha (2013-2024) | Girl | 218th of 30306 | 16,930 |
Regional Popularity of "Olive" by Generation for Male Names
| TOP(%) | MidWest | Northeast | South | West |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| G.I. Generation (1901-1927) |
- | - | - | - |
| Silent Generation (1928-1945) |
- | - | - | - |
| Baby Boomers (1946-1964) |
- | - | - | - |
| Generation X (Gen X) (1965-1980) |
- | - | - | - |
| Millennials (Gen Y) (1981-1996) |
- | - | - | - |
| Generation Z (Gen Z or Zoomers) (1997-2012) |
- | - | - | - |
| Generation Alpha (2013-2024) |
- | - | - | - |
Regional Popularity of "Olive" by Generation for Female Names
| TOP(%) | MidWest | Northeast | South | West |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| G.I. Generation (1901-1927) |
9.60% 136th/1416 |
8.99% 124th/1379 |
9.68% 229th/2366 |
12.00% 137th/1142 |
| Silent Generation (1928-1945) |
21.54% 333rd/1546 |
17.42% 271st/1556 |
19.51% 459th/2353 |
27.47% 425th/1547 |
| Baby Boomers (1946-1964) |
67.22% 1497th/2227 |
43.05% 1046th/2430 |
48.30% 1378th/2853 |
74.20% 2059th/2775 |
| Generation X (Gen X) (1965-1980) |
- | - | - | - |
| Millennials (Gen Y) (1981-1996) |
- | - | - |
100.00% 6317th/6317 |
| Generation Z (Gen Z or Zoomers) (1997-2012) |
17.55% 804th/4582 |
21.46% 1108th/5164 |
18.82% 1376th/7313 |
9.98% 745th/7463 |
| Generation Alpha (2013-2024) |
4.44% 177th/3984 |
5.71% 256th/4487 |
4.76% 325th/6822 |
2.45% 154th/6276 |
State-by-State Popularity of "Olive"
This map shows the relative popularity of "Olive" across states, calculated by dividing the number of births with this name in each state by the total births in that state. This methodology provides a standardized measure of popularity regardless of state population size.