A 1880s favorite, climbing again.
Popularity of Ollie since 1880
Babies named Ollie per year in U.S. Social Security records. Raw births topped out in 1919, but relative to how few babies were recorded back then, Ollie's real moment was 1887.
Data table (by decade)
| Decade | Girls | Boys |
|---|---|---|
| 1880s | 2,832 | 706 |
| 1890s | 4,272 | 918 |
| 1900s | 4,725 | 952 |
| 1910s | 7,760 | 2,430 |
| 1920s | 8,273 | 2,860 |
| 1930s | 5,319 | 2,122 |
| 1940s | 3,774 | 1,901 |
| 1950s | 2,093 | 1,355 |
| 1960s | 760 | 871 |
| 1970s | 300 | 539 |
| 1980s | 152 | 340 |
| 1990s | 104 | 233 |
| 2000s | 154 | 262 |
| 2010s | 574 | 940 |
| 2020s | 549 | 1,197 |
Meaning & origin
Ollie first appeared in U.S. records in 1880 and peaked in popularity in 1887. After a long decline, it has been rising steadily since 1990, reflecting a revival of vintage nicknames as given names. In 2025, it ranked 2276, with about 1 in 20,091 babies named Ollie. Its strongest states historically include Louisiana, Missouri, and Florida. The name's revival aligns with the broader trend of 19th-century diminutives regaining favor, appealing to parents seeking a friendly, retro short form.
Ollie originated as a pet form of Oliver, itself from Old French Olivier, possibly from a Germanic name like *Alfihar (elf army). It also gained independent use as a given name in the 19th century. The name has been popular as a standalone name in the United States, particularly in the late 1800s and again in recent decades.
Where Ollie 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.
“Ollie” around the world
Where Ollie lands in the latest official birth statistics abroad, matched to the U.S. spelling.
France
5
babies in 2024
Ireland
#31
in 2025
New Zealand
35
babies in 2025
Quebec
45
babies in 2025
Sources: INSEE (France) · CSO Ireland (Ireland) · NZ Dept of Internal Affairs (New Zealand) · Retraite Québec (Quebec).
Nicknames & variants
Nicknames: Oll
Variants: Oly, Olly
Sibling names for Ollie
Names that share Ollie's style, for a brother or sister.
Sisters: Maisie, Elsie, Poppy, Daisy, Millie, Emmie, Virgie, Cordie, Molli, Romie, Trixie, Versie, Belvia, Cloteal, Perrie, Sissy, Vergia, Alfretta, Captola, Izzie, Tilley, Elzada, Francy, Lillymae, Lulabelle, Millee
Brothers: Archie, Charlie, Freddie, Harry, Leo, Buddy, Odie, Virgle, Sully, Ferdie, Oather, Macky
