The Baby Name Wizard

Reader Contributions

Contribute to, or edit, this collection of community wisdom on the name Olivier!

Comments and insights on the name Olivier: | Edit

Share what you know!

Personal experiences with the name Olivier: | Edit

Share what you know!

Nicknames for Olivier: | Edit

Share what you know!

Meanings and history of the name Olivier: | Edit

French form of Oliver.
Norman French form of a Germanic name, possibly the name Alfihar meaning "elf army". The spelling was altered by association with Latin oliva "olive tree". In the Middle Ages the name became well-known in Western Europe because of the French epic 'La Chanson de Roland', in which Olivier was a friend and advisor of the hero Roland.

In England Oliver was a common medieval name, however it became rare after the 17th century because of the military commander Oliver Cromwell, who ruled the country following the civil war. The name was revived in the 19th century, perhaps in part due to the title character in Charles Dickens' novel 'Oliver Twist' (1838), which was about a poor orphan living on the streets of London.

Famous real-life people named Olivier: | Edit

Olivier Martinez (french actor)

Olivier in song, story & screen: | Edit

Share what you know!