OLIVE

Olive

Olive is a surname of English origin, derived from the Old French personal name "Oliver." The name is believed to have been introduced into England by the Normans after the Conquest of 1066. The meaning of the name "Oliver" is often interpreted as "olive tree" in reference to the evergreen tree that is a symbol of peace and fruitfulness.

Distribution

The surname Olive is most prevalent in the southern regions of England, particularly in the counties of Kent and Sussex. Over time, the surname has spread throughout the United Kingdom and can be found in various regions.

Notable Individuals

1. Sir Philip Olive

• Sir Philip Olive (1818-1898) was a prominent British diplomat who served as the British Ambassador to several European countries during the 19th century.

2. Florence Olive

• Florence Olive (1905-1987) was a renowned British artist known for her vibrant and expressive paintings depicting English countryside scenes.

Variants

Variants of the surname Olive include Ollive, Oliff, and Olliffe, among others. These variations often arose due to differences in regional dialects and spelling conventions.

References

For further research into the Olive surname, genealogical records, and historical documents can provide valuable insights into the origins and development of this British family name.

Surname type: Nickname

Origin: English

Region of origin: British Isles

Country of origin: England

Religion of origin: Christian

Language of origin: English

Typical given names associated with the 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.