What does Olivia mean and where does it come from?
Derived from the Latin word 'oliva', meaning 'olive'. The name Olivia has been used since the 13th century and was popularized by William Shakespeare in his play 'Twelfth Night'. It has been a common name in English-speaking countries and saw a resurgence in popularity in the late 20th to early 21st
Cultural significance
Olivia has been a cherished name across cultures, particularly in Latin-speaking communities, where it reflects values of latin.
Peak popularity
Reached #1 in 2019 — currently #1 in the US.
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Related Reading
Latin-origin baby names with timeless appeal
Browse names →What middle names flow best with Olivia?
Olivia works best with short, strong middle names — one or two syllables keep the full name from becoming a mouthful
Olivia Grace
Most popular combo · classic
Olivia Rose
Floral · soft ending
Olivia Mae
Sweet · timeless
Olivia Claire
French influence · crisp
Olivia Jane
Literary · strong
Olivia Skye
Modern · airy feel
How popular is Olivia right now?
Holding steady — currently #1 in the US out of 135.5k tracked names
| Year | US Rank | Births | vs Prior Year |
|---|
| 2023 | #1 | 15,313 | stable · -8% births |
| 2022 | #1 | 16,654 | stable · -7% births |
| 2021 | #1 | 17,841 | stable · +2% births |
| 2020 | #1 | 17,535 | ▲ up 1 · -11% births |
| 2015 | #2 | 19,691 | ▲ up 2 · +16% births |
| 2010 | #4 | 17,028 | ▲ up 1 · +9% births |
| 2005 | #5 | 15,693 | ▲ up 11 · +22% births |
| 2000 | #16 | 12,852 | ▲ up 23 · +69% births |
| 1995 | #39 | 7,624 | ▲ up 33 · +65% births |
| 1990 | #72 | 4,626 | ▲ up 176 · +353% births |
| 1985 | #248 | 1,022 | ▼ down 20 · -9% births |
| 1980 | #228 | 1,120 | ▲ up 4 · +7% births |
| 1975 | #232 | 1,049 | ▲ up 307 · +199% births |
| 1970 | #539 | 351 | ▼ down 84 · -21% births |
| 1965 | #455 | 442 | — |
The story of Olivia
Olivia has been a beloved American name for over 144 years, first appearing in Social Security records in 1880. It reached the #1 spot in 2019, making it the most popular girl name in America that year. More than 489,215 babies have been named Olivia since 1880. The name has grown more popular over time, rising from #235 in 1880 to #1 in 2023. Olivia is used for both genders: 100% female and 0% male.
Names that peaked alongside Olivia in 2019:
Olivia by decade
Olivia peaked in the 2010s. See all 2010s names →
| Decade | Births | |
|---|
| 1880s | 618 | |
| 1890s | 1,099 | |
| 1900s | 1,575 | |
| 1910s | 3,545 | |
| 1920s | 5,007 | |
| 1930s | 3,955 | |
| 1940s | 7,217 | |
| 1950s | 6,110 | |
| 1960s | 4,018 | |
| 1970s | 7,892 | |
| 1980s | 14,127 | |
| 1990s | 76,015 | |
| 2000s | 156,235 | |
| 2010s ★ | 184,255 | |
| 2020s | 17,547 | |
What are good nicknames for Olivia?
ENGLISH
LivLiviaLivvyOllie
Famous people named Olivia
OR
Olivia Rodrigo
Grammy-winning singer-songwriter known for Drivers License and the SOUR album
ON
Olivia Newton-John
Iconic Australian actress and singer, beloved for Grease and Physical
OW
Olivia Wilde
American actress and filmmaker known for House M.D. and Booksmart
OC
Olivia Colman
Oscar-winning British actress known for The Crown and The Favourite
O(
Olivia (Shakespeare)
Noblewoman in Shakespeare's Twelfth Night, one of literature's most memorable Olivias
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Celebrity Names
What celebrities named their babies in 2024
Explore →What names sound and feel like Olivia?
Based on sound, origin, and style — parents who love Olivia also consider these
How is Olivia written in other languages?
Common questions about the name Olivia
What does the name Olivia mean?
Olivia means "Latin" — a name rooted in Latin tradition that carries both historical depth and timeless appeal. The meaning reflects values that have made this name endure across generations.
How popular is the name Olivia?
Olivia is currently ranked #1 in the United States as a baby name in the US and is holding steady in popularity, a reliable classic that parents consistently choose.
What is the cultural origin of Olivia?
Olivia originates from Latin tradition. Latin names tend to carry strong cultural heritage and have spread across the world through migration, literature, and religion over centuries.
How do you pronounce the name Olivia?
Olivia is a four-syllable name pronounced OW0 L IH1 V IY0 AH0. The pronunciation is straightforward for English speakers, and the name reads clearly on paper — an important practical consideration for parents.
What sibling names go well with Olivia?
Olivia pairs beautifully with sibling names that share a similar Latin heritage or complement its melodic and flowing sound. Names with a similar vibe create a cohesive sibling set without matching too closely.