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Olof

Olof is a masculine given name common in the Nordic countries, particularly Sweden. It is the Swedish form of Olaf, which derives from the Old Norse name Óláfr, a traditional name in medieval Norse royalty and saga figures. The exact meaning of Óláfr is uncertain, but the name has long been associated with heritage and legacy in Nordic naming. Over the centuries, Olof has remained popular in Sweden and has several variants in neighboring languages, including Olaf (English), Olav (Norwegian and Danish), Olavi (Finnish), and Ola as a diminutive.

In usage, Olof is primarily a given name in Sweden and has been borne by various notable

Notable bearers include Olof Palme, Swedish prime minister; Olof Rudbeck the Elder, a prominent scientist and

figures
in
Nordic
history
and
culture.
It
has
also
spread
to
other
Nordic-speaking
regions
and
beyond
through
historical
and
contemporary
naming
practices.
scholar;
Olof
Lagercrantz,
journalist
and
author;
and
Olof
Wigström,
silversmith
who
contributed
to
the
design
of
the
Nobel
Prize
medal.
The
name
continues
to
be
used
in
modern
Sweden
and
remains
a
recognizable
traditional
form
of
Olaf
in
the
region.