As described in historical dictionaries

An Etymological Dictionary of Family and Christian Names (1857)

From the Latin Oliva, an olive-tree, an emblem of peace.

Arthur, William (1857) An Etymological Dictionary of Family and Christian Names. New York: Sheldon, Blakeman. Public Domain.


Patronymica Britannica (1860)

OLIVER. Both as a baptismal name and a surname, was probably imported from France, where it was long associated witii romantic literature. The Domesdaj' of Devonshire presents us with a tenant called Oliver, in the modern orthography.

Lower, Mark A (1860) Patronymica Britannica: a dictionary of the family names of the United Kingdom. London: J.R. Smith. Public Domain.


Surname type: From given name or forename

Origin: English

Region of origin: British Isles

Country of origin: England

Religion of origin: Christian

Language of origin: English

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