Olivia - Names
Meaning of the name Olivia
Gender:
Female
Meaning:
Olive (from Latin: oliva)
History & etymology:
The name Olivia in this particular spelling has been coined by William Shakespeare in 1602 in his comedy Twelfth Night. It could have been derived directly from the Latin word oliva, meaning olive. Alternatively, it might have been modelled on the name Oliver, a cognate of Olaf (from Germanic name Alfer or Old Norse Álefir).
The name has been in use in the English-speaking countries since the 18th century with its popularity peaking in recent years. Similar trend could be observed across Europe. In the past decade Olivia placed among the top ten girls’ names in many European countries.
The patron saint of the name is St. Olivia of Palermo. Hardly any historical evidence of her life has preserved. However, the legend has it that she was deported to Tunis, where she converted numerous Muslims to Christianity. Afraid of Olivia’s influence over people, the local authorities had her beheaded in AD 138.
St. Olivia’s feast day is celebrated on 5th March.
Alternative spellings & nicknames:
Alivia, Olyvia
Diminutives: Livia, Liv, Livvy, Ollie
Similar names in other languages & name days:
Czech Republic
2nd October: Olivie
Finland
29th May: Olivi
France
5th March: Olivia
Germany
5th March, 10th June: Olivia
Hungary
3rd December: Olivia
Italy
3rd June: Olivia
Poland:
5th March, 15th June: Oliwia
Spain
3rd June: Oliva
Sweden
15th April: Olivia
USA
11th July: Olive, Olivia
Famous people named Olivia:
Olivia de Berardinis (1948-) - American painter
Olivia Colman (1974-) - British actress
Olivia de Havilland (1916-) - American actress
Olivia Holt (1997-) - American actress
Olivia Manning (1908-1980) - British writer
Olivia O’Brien (1999-) - American singer
Olivia O’Leary (1949-) - Irish journalist
Olivia Palermo (1986-) - American actress and model
Olivia Ruiz (1980-) - French singer
Olivia Wilde (1984-) - American actress
Olivia Williams (1968-) - English actress
Fun facts:
Popularity (2015):
USA: 2nd
England and Wales: 2nd
Ireland: 13th
Scotland: 3rd
Canada: 2nd
Australia: 2nd
New Zealand: 1st
Belgium: 3rd
Denmark: 13th
Finland: 18th
France: 74th
Norway: 3rd
Poland: 89th
Spain: 24th
Sweden: 7th
Switzerland: 22nd
Lucky colors: blue, violet, black
Lucky stone: Sugilite
Ruling planet: Uranus
Characteristics: original, tactful, diplomatic, delicate, reliable, sophisticated