Olive

OL-iv

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The name Olive means “Olive tree, symbol of peace.” It comes from the Latin language tradition.

From the Latin 'oliva,' the olive branch has symbolized peace and reconciliation since antiquity. The name enjoyed its heyday in the Victorian era and has experienced a strong modern revival.

From the Latin oliva, by way of the medieval saint's name Oliva. Wiktionary notes the English word olive itself was a later, partial borrowing — the undiphthongized spelling and the fact that its use for the fruit only dates from the sixteenth century show the word was not yet fully naturalized into English at that point.

Wiktionary records the given name was revived in the nineteenth century, when flower and plant names generally came into fashion. Wikipedia adds the traditional symbolism behind the name: the olive branch as a sign of peace, and the olive wreath worn by victors in antiquity.

• Olive Thomas
• Olivia Wilde (born Olivia Cockburn)

Sibling names that share Olive's rhythm and register without echoing it too closely.