Olle

Olle is a masculine given name primarily used in Sweden. It is a diminutive form of Olof (or Olov) and is widely treated as a standalone name in modern usage.

Origin and meaning: Olle derives from the Old Norse name Óláfr. The exact meaning of Óláfr is debated, but it is commonly associated with notions of ancestry or lineage, and various readings such as “ancestor’s relic” appear in popular explanations. Etymology varies among scholars.

Usage: In Sweden, Olle is a familiar form that often functions as a given name in its own right. It is used across generations and can appear as both a nickname and an official name on birth records.

Variants and cognates: Nordic forms of the same root include Olaf, Olav, Olavi, and Óláfr; in Danish and English-speaking contexts the diminutive Ollie is common. Cultural touchpoints often depict Olle as a typical Swedish name in literature and media.