National Olivia Day is observed on June 11. Olivia is a Latin name derived from the word ‘oliva’ meaning ‘peace,’ and the feminine alternative to the boy name Oliver. In the U.S., there are only a handful of popular names for girls beginning with the initial letter ‘O,’ and Olivia is one of the favorite options.
History of National Olivia Day
Olivia is a popular name for girls, not only in the United States, but also in the U.K., Australia, and Canada. In fact, it has ranked in the top 100 U.S. names since 1990. Olivia is primarily a female name of English origin and means ‘Ancestor’s Descendant.’ It derives from the male name, Oliver, which is a derivation of the old Norse name, ‘Áleifr.’ Although there is a popular opinion about the meaning of the name, it is said that it is not related to olives or the olive tree.
Some attribute the popularity of the name to the character Olivia in Shakespeare’s “Twelfth Night,” which has kept it popular ever since. In the well-known 17th-century play, Olivia is a romantic figure both noble and beautiful.
The most common nicknames for Olivia include Liv, Livvy, and Libby. There are numerous famous actresses called Olivia, such as Olivia de Havilland, Olivia Wilde, and Olivia Hussey. One of the more famous actresses/singers is Olivia Newton-John. The famous writer was Olivia Goldsmith and American painter Olivia De Berardinis.
There are also places in the United States named Olivia. These include Olivia, North Carolina, and Olivia, Minnesota. Fictional Olivias include the piglet in the children’s book by Ian Falconer. It is also a popular name for television characters including Olivia Benson (“Law & Order”), Olivia Pope (“Scandal”), and Olivia Dunham (“Fringe”). In 2014, the refreshingly strong, female name made the jump from number three to the number two spot in the U.S., remaining there until its victorious transition to number one in 2019.
National Olivia Day timeline
The initial popularity of the name might be attributed to the beautiful, sought-after heiress in William Shakespeare's play, “Twelfth Night.”
This name becomes one of the most popular girl names in the United States.
Olivia makes the jump from number three to number two in the United States.
Olivia makes its victorious transition to number one in the United States.
National Olivia Day FAQs
Who is the most famous Olivia in the world?
Olivia Newton-John, a singer and songwriter, is the most famous person named Olivia.
How many Olivias are in the world?
For the past five years, there were 18,451 babies named Olivia.
What middle names go with Olivia?
Two middle names that go with Olivia are Belle and Grace.
National Olivia Day Activities
Give an Olivia a present
If you know someone called Olivia, this is the perfect day to honor her. Buy her a gift or invite her to have dinner.
Share a post of an Olivia
There are many famous actresses and singers called Olivia. Choose your favorite and share a post about this day on social media.
Change your name for a day
Another fun idea to celebrate this day is changing your name for one day. Call yourself Olivia for one day.
5 Curious Facts About “Olivia”
Olivia Pope
The name skyrocketed thanks to the T.V. show “Scandal,” in which its powerful lead character is Olivia Pope.
Liv Tyler
Aerosmith lead singer Steven Tyler created a buzz around the name Liv with his actress daughter, Liv Tyler.
Meaning of Liv
The nickname Liv is said to be suitable for a lively, energetic personality and it means ‘life’ in Scandinavian.
Meaning of Ollie
The nickname Ollie for a girl describes someone patient, kind, and generous.
Olive Tree
It is said that Olivia has a biblical meaning and it is referred to as ‘the olive tree’ as a symbol of fruitfulness, beauty, and dignity.
Why We Love National Olivia Day
It is a beautiful name
Olivia is a beautiful name dating back to Shakespearian times. It offers many interesting choices for nicknames.
There are famous actresses we admire
This name is also famous because many actresses are called Olivia. An example of a famous Olivia is Olivia Wilde, an American Broadway actress, director, and television/film star best known for her role in the T.V. drama, "House."
It is a day to celebrate
It’s an opportunity to know someone called Olivia and have a perfect celebration. See what you can do for an Olivia on this day.
National Olivia Day dates
Year | Date | Day |
---|---|---|
2024 | June 11 | Tuesday |
2025 | June 11 | Wednesday |
2026 | June 11 | Thursday |
2027 | June 11 | Friday |
2028 | June 11 | Sunday |