Olav

Olav is a masculine given name used primarily in Norway and other Nordic countries. It is a Norwegian variant of Olaf, with other spellings such as Olaf and Olave; in Icelandic the form Óláfr or Ólafur is common, and in English-text contexts the form Olaf is frequently used. The exact meaning of the name is uncertain, but it has its origins in Old Norse and has long figured in Norse royal and religious history.

The name is closely associated with Saint Olaf II of Norway, also known as Olaf Haraldsson (c. 995–1030). He became king of Norway and led the country’s Christianization; after his death at the Battle of Stiklestad, he was venerated as a saint and became a central national symbol. The name was borne by several Norwegian monarchs, including Olav Tryggvason (c. 960–1000), a medieval king who supported the spread of Christianity, and Olaf IV Haakonsson (1370–1387), who ruled during the late 14th century. In the modern era, Olav V of Norway (1903–1991) reigned as king from 1957 until his death and was popularly known as the People’s King.

Usage today varies by country. In Norway, Olav is a common given name and part of a long-standing royal and religious tradition; in other Nordic countries, the form Olaf is more widely used, while Olav remains recognizable in historical and cultural contexts. The name has appeared in literature, film, and media as a marker of Nordic heritage.