The name Olive is of Latin origin and means "peace" or "olive tree". It was derived from the Latin word "oliva", which referred to an olive tree. The olive tree has long been a symbol of peace and harmony in many cultures, including ancient Greek and Roman societies.
In biblical times, the olive branch was a sign of peace and reconciliation, as seen in the story of Noah's ark, where a dove returns with an olive branch as a signal that the flood waters have receded. This association between olive trees and peace has contributed to the popularity of the name Olive throughout history.
The use of Olive as a given name began in England during the Middle Ages. It was primarily used for girls but could also be given to boys, particularly among Puritan families in the 17th century. Today, Olive is more commonly used as a girl's name and has gained popularity in recent years, particularly in English-speaking countries such as the United States and Canada.
Some notable figures with the name Olive include Olive Oatman (1846-1908), an American woman who was kidnapped by Native Americans and later wrote about her experiences, and Olive Schreiner (1855-1920), a South African writer known for her feminist views. Overall, the name Olive has a rich history and carries with it connotations of peace and harmony.
The name Olive had a fluctuating popularity over time, with significant increases starting around the late 19th century. The peak occurred between 1914 and 1922, with over 1,000 births per year. However, from the early 1930s onwards, there was a steady decline in its popularity, reaching an all-time low of fewer than 10 births per year between the late 1960s and mid-1970s. Since then, it has seen a resurgence, with a significant increase from around the early 2000s onwards, reaching over 1,800 births in 2022.