Declining since 2018, #1,837 for boys today.
Popularity of Olin since 1880
Babies named Olin per year in U.S. Social Security records. Raw births topped out in 1921, but relative to how few babies were recorded back then, Olin's real moment was 1903.
Data table (by decade)
| Decade | Boys |
|---|---|
| 1880s | 152 |
| 1890s | 215 |
| 1900s | 266 |
| 1910s | 1,183 |
| 1920s | 1,535 |
| 1930s | 1,430 |
| 1940s | 938 |
| 1950s | 730 |
| 1960s | 521 |
| 1970s | 391 |
| 1980s | 339 |
| 1990s | 277 |
| 2000s | 506 |
| 2010s | 908 |
| 2020s | 538 |
Meaning & origin
Olin is a concise and sturdy name that saw its highest usage in the early 1900s, particularly in states like Minnesota, Washington, and South Carolina. The name peaked nationally at rank 1837 in 1903, with about 1 in 19,861 boys receiving it that year. Since 2018, its popularity has been gradually declining. While its exact origins are debated, Olin likely derives from Scandinavian roots, possibly as a variant of Olaf or a diminutive form. It remains a rare but recognizable choice, often seen as a vintage name with a no-frills appeal.
Olin is generally considered a Scandinavian name, likely a variant of Olaf (from Old Norse Óláfr, meaning 'ancestor's relic') or a short form of names like Oliander. It may also be an English surname that was adopted as a given name. The name has been used in the United States since the late 19th century, though its origins remain somewhat unclear.
Where Olin is most popular
Births per 100,000 boys 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
Nicknames: Ollie, Lin
Sibling names for Olin
Names that share Olin's style, for a brother or sister.
