OLIVE
Olive is a surname of English and French origin. Its earliest usage in England can be traced to an entry in the catalogue of ancient deeds for Northumberland in 1159, where the name appears as Olyve. The name subsequently flourished within the British Isles, particularly in England, reflecting the linguistic influence of Norman settlers who brought the Old French term olive, meaning “olive tree,” into the English lexicon.
The etymology of Olive is traditionally understood to be topographic. It was applied to individuals who lived close to or cultivated olive trees. The olive tree, having long been regarded as a symbol of peace, fertility and longevity, imbues the surname with a connotation of these enduring virtues. Consequently, bearers of the name have historically been identified with peaceful, fruitful and resilient qualities, qualities that were highly valued in medieval Christian society.
Documentary evidence shows that the surname has appeared in many variations, including Olave, Olivia, Olivie, Olivet, Olivey, Olliff, Olliffe and Ollive. These variants have been recorded throughout Europe and are still occasionally encountered in modern genealogical records. The prevalence of the name was in part a consequence of the Crusades in the 12th and 13th centuries, when soldiers returning from the Holy Land bestowed biblical and classical epithets upon their families. Consequently, early contemporary examples include Margaret Olive (Hundred Rolls of Shropshire, 1273), Jacques Olivie (Huguenot French church, London, 1630) and John Olivey (marriage record, Stepney, 1852).
The name is also linked to the Roman Latin word oliva, the word for the olive tree and its fruit. Through the lens of Christian symbolism, the olive branch is famously associated with the story of Noah, representing God’s reconciliation with humanity after the Great Flood. This symbolic heritage likely contributed to the name’s appeal among English Christian families, who admired the moral and spiritual ideals embodied by the olive tree.
In contemporary times, the surname Olive remains relatively uncommon in Britain, yet it continues to be borne by individuals who trace their lineage to the historical estates and villages where olive cultivation or proximity to olive trees was significant. Genealogical researchers encountering this surname are encouraged to consult parish registers, Hundred Rolls and other primary sources for further insight into the name’s regional distribution and familial connections.
Typical given names associated with the Olive surname
Male
- Andrew
- Anthony
- Brian
- Christopher
- David
- John
- Michael
- Peter
- Richard
- Robert
- Stephen
Female
- Barbara
- Elizabeth
- Emma
- Georgina
- Helen
- Jane
- Margaret
- Mary
- Nicola
- Patricia
- Samantha
- Sarah
- Sharon
- Susan
Similar and related surnames
Related and similar names are generated algorithmically based on the spelling, and may not necessarily share an etymology.
How to communicate the surname Olive in...
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There are approximately 1,758 people named Olive in the UK. That makes it roughly the 4,682nd most common surname in Britain. Around 27 in a million people in Britain are named Olive.
Surname type: Nickname
Origin: English
Region of origin: British Isles
Country of origin: England
Religion of origin: Christian
Language of origin: English
Famous people named Olive
- David Olive - Physicist (1937 to 2012)
- Les Olive - Football executive (1928 to 2006)
Names and descriptions courtesy of Wikipedia, and may contain errors. This is not intended to be an exhaustive list of every famous person with this name.