Oliver

Oliver is a masculine given name of English origin. It derives from the Old French Olivier, which in turn comes from Latin Oliverius, ultimately linked to oliva, the olive tree. The name is commonly associated with the olive branch, a traditional symbol of peace and fruitfulness.

Historically, Oliver appeared in medieval Europe and gained sustained usage in English-speaking countries. In modern times it has remained popular in the United States, the United Kingdom, Canada, Australia, and Ireland, with its popularity rising again in the late 20th and early 21st centuries. Variants include Olivier (French), Oliviero (Italian), and Olivér (Hungarian); the name is also used in Dutch and other languages with similar forms.

Notable people named Oliver include Oliver Cromwell, the 17th‑century English statesman; Oliver Stone, American filmmaker; Oliver Sacks, neurologist and writer; and Oliver Hardy, comedian. In fiction, Oliver Twist is the orphan boy in Charles Dickens's novel, and Oliver Queen is the civilian identity of the superhero Green Arrow in American comics and adaptations.

Beyond given names, Oliver appears as a surname and in topographic or place-name use in some regions. The name's longevity and cross-cultural variants have contributed to its broad recognition in many languages.