Olivia is a female given name of Latin origin. It means "peace" and is derived from the male name Oliver, which ultimately comes from the Latin word oliva, meaning olive tree. The name Olivia has been popular throughout history, with its most notable bearer being Olivia Hussey, an Argentine actress known for her role in the 1968 film version of Romeo and Juliet.
The name Olivia gained significant popularity in the United States during the early to mid-20th century. It entered the top 1000 names list in 1937 and has remained popular ever since, peaking at number three in 2004 before declining slightly but still maintaining a strong presence in the top ten.
Olivia is often associated with intelligence, elegance, and grace. It is also commonly linked to strength and resilience, as suggested by its meaning of peace, which could imply a calm and steadfast demeanor in the face of adversity.
In literature, Olivia appears prominently in Shakespeare's Twelfth Night, where she is a countess who disguises herself as a man named Cesario. The name has also been used in various other works, such as Charlotte Brontë's Jane Eyre and Truman Capote's Breakfast at Tiffany's.
Overall, the name Olivia has a rich history and offers a beautiful balance between classic elegance and contemporary popularity. Its meaning of peace adds an appealing dimension to this timeless name.
"Ollivia experienced a rise and fall in popularity over these years, with its highest point at six births each in 2013 and 2015, but only five births in the decade between those peaks."