Holding steady, #7,885 for girls today.
Popularity of Ola since 1880
Babies named Ola per year in U.S. Social Security records. Raw births topped out in 1921, but relative to how few babies were recorded back then, Ola's real moment was 1902.
Data table (by decade)
| Decade | Girls |
|---|---|
| 1880s | 1,421 |
| 1890s | 2,652 |
| 1900s | 3,410 |
| 1910s | 5,767 |
| 1920s | 6,485 |
| 1930s | 4,150 |
| 1940s | 2,830 |
| 1950s | 1,522 |
| 1960s | 508 |
| 1970s | 248 |
| 1980s | 202 |
| 1990s | 132 |
| 2000s | 117 |
| 2010s | 125 |
| 2020s | 82 |
Meaning & origin
Ola is a name with dual geographic and linguistic roots. In the United States, it has been recorded since 1880, reaching its peak popularity in 1902. The name's trajectory has been stable over the decades, though its current rank of 7,885 reflects modest usage. With 1 in 123,636 girls named Ola in 2025, it remains a rare but steady choice. The Scandinavian short form of Olaf coexists with the Yoruba meaning of 'treasure', giving the name a cross-cultural appeal. Despite its long history in the U.S., Ola has not seen a revival nor has it been associated with any particular states.
Ola has a dual origin. In Scandinavia, it is a short form of Olaf, derived from Old Norse 'Anleifr', meaning 'ancestor's relic' or 'descendant'. In Nigeria, it is a Yoruba name meaning 'treasure' or 'wealth'.
Where Ola is most popular
Births per 100,000 girls by state. Press play or drag the slider to watch it move across the decades. The lightest shade means too few recorded births.
Nicknames & variants
Sibling names for Ola
Names that share Ola's style, for a brother or sister.
