ole

Ole is a masculine given name most commonly used in Norway and Denmark, where it originated as the Scandinavian form of Olaf or Olav. The name traces to Old Norse forms such as Óláfr or Oláfr and has long been used in both medieval and modern Scandinavia. In Danish and Norwegian usage, Ole often existed as an independent given name as well as a common diminutive of Olaf/Olav.

The exact meaning of Olaf/Olav is debated, but it is generally associated with Old Norse elements connected to ancestors or relics. Over time, Ole emerged as a standalone name in its own right and remained popular in Denmark and Norway through the 19th and 20th centuries, continuing to be used today.

Variants and related names include Ola (a separate given name in Norway and Denmark), Olav, Olaf, and Olle (a common Swedish form). The name Ole is primarily used for males and is widely recognized in Scandinavian communities, with variations appearing in other languages through cultural exchange and migration.

Notable people named Ole include Ole Gunnar Solskjær, a Norwegian footballer and manager; Ole Einar Bjørndalen, a Norwegian biathlete and Olympic champion; and Ole Kirk Christiansen, a Danish entrepreneur who founded the LEGO Group. The name also appears in literature and culture, reflecting its long-standing presence in Scandinavian naming traditions.