Ove

Ove is a masculine given name widely used in Sweden and also found in Norway and Denmark. It is the Swedish form of Olaf, derived from the Old Norse Óláfr. The meaning of Óláfr is uncertain, but the name is commonly explained as relating to ancestors and possibly to the wolf, depending on the element readings in the historical forms. In Sweden, Ove enjoyed particular popularity in the mid-20th century, and while less common today, it remains a recognizable traditional name.

Notable people named Ove include Ove Arup (1895–1982), a Danish-born engineer who founded the engineering and design firm Arup. Ove Fundin (1935–2014) was a Swedish speedway rider and multiple world champion. The name also appears in literature, notably as the title character in Fredrik Backman's novel A Man Called Ove (2012), about a curmudgeonly yet principled retiree.

Variants and related forms include Olof, Olaf, Ola, and Olle, with spelling differences across the Nordic countries. Ove can also be encountered in various other contexts as a short form or nickname for longer names such as Olav in Norwegian usage. The name remains part of Nordic naming traditions and has a distinct cultural association within Sweden.