Declining since 1991, #6,838 for girls today.
Popularity of Oliva since 1884
Babies named Oliva per year in U.S. Social Security records. Raw births topped out in 1990, but relative to how few babies were recorded back then, Oliva's real moment was 1889.
Data table (by decade)
| Decade | Girls |
|---|---|
| 1880s | 20 |
| 1890s | 50 |
| 1900s | 96 |
| 1910s | 179 |
| 1920s | 197 |
| 1930s | 100 |
| 1940s | 46 |
| 1950s | 56 |
| 1960s | 45 |
| 1970s | 101 |
| 1980s | 165 |
| 1990s | 293 |
| 2000s | 279 |
| 2010s | 230 |
| 2020s | 119 |
Meaning & origin
Oliva is an uncommon feminine name of Latin origin, meaning 'olive tree'. It has been used since the 19th century, with its peak popularity in 1889 when it ranked highest. The name has been on a long decline since 1991. Today, it is a rare choice, with only about 1 in every 100,454 babies given the name in 2025. Its similarity to the more popular Olivia may contribute to its scarcity, but it offers a distinctive alternative with classic roots. While it does not appear in any top state rankings, Oliva carries a timeless, Mediterranean feel and remains a subtle nod to the olive branch's symbolism of peace.
Oliva is the Latin feminine form of Oliverius, ultimately derived from Latin 'oliva' meaning 'olive'. The olive tree has been a symbol of peace and fruitfulness since ancient times. The name was used in medieval Europe and remains common in Spanish- and Italian-speaking countries as a variant of Olivia.
Nicknames & variants
Nicknames: Oli, Livi, Vivi
Variants: Olivia
Sibling names for Oliva
Names that share Oliva's style, for a brother or sister.
