Oliver

Oliver as a name

Oliver is a male given name with English and German origins. It is derived from the Old Norse name Áleifr, which means “ancestor’s descendant” or “olive tree.” The name became popular in medieval England after being introduced by the Normans, and it has remained a common name in the English-speaking world ever since.

Famous people named Oliver include Oliver Cromwell, a military and political leader who ruled England in the 17th century, and Oliver Twist, the title character in Charles Dickens’ novel of the same name. In modern times, actors such as Oliver Platt, Oliver Hudson, and Oliver Jackson-Cohen have helped to popularize the name.