Holding steady.
Popularity of Olof since 1883
Babies named Olof per year in U.S. Social Security records. Raw births topped out in 1914, but relative to how few babies were recorded back then, Olof's real moment was 1891.
Data table (by decade)
| Decade | Boys |
|---|---|
| 1880s | 6 |
| 1890s | 12 |
| 1900s | 0 |
| 1910s | 37 |
| 1920s | 40 |
| 1930s | 12 |
| 1940s | 0 |
| 1950s | 0 |
| 1960s | 0 |
| 1970s | 0 |
| 1980s | 0 |
| 1990s | 0 |
| 2000s | 0 |
| 2010s | 0 |
| 2020s | 0 |
Meaning & origin
The name Olof has deep roots in Scandinavian history, originating from the Old Norse Óláfr. In the United States, Olof saw its highest usage in the 1890s, with a peak year in 1891. It has since fallen out of common use, with a stable trajectory over the past decades. The name continues to be used primarily in Sweden and among Scandinavian-American families, where it maintains a classic and traditional feel.
Olof derives from the Old Norse name Óláfr, composed of the elements *anu- 'ancestor' and *laiƀō 'descendant, heirloom'. It was historically the Swedish and Danish form of Olaf, borne by several early Scandinavian kings and saints. The name has been in steady use in Sweden since the 19th century, with a peak in the 1890s when it ranked among the top names for boys.
Nicknames & variants
Nicknames: Olle, Loffe
Sibling names for Olof
Names that share Olof's style, for a brother or sister.
