olya

Olya is a feminine given name, commonly used as a diminutive form of Olga in Russian, Ukrainian, and other Slavic languages. In everyday use, Olya serves as an informal or affectionate form of Olga; the formal version is Olga.

The name Olga originates from the Old Norse name Helga, meaning holy or blessed, and spread into East Slavic circles during medieval times, with Olga of Kiev as a well-known bearer in history. Olya, as a transliteration, appears in English-language texts; variants include Olia and Oliya, and the form Olha is used in Ukrainian, while the Latinized Olga is used in many languages.

The name is most commonly found in Russia, Ukraine, Belarus, and other parts of the former Soviet Union, and it is also used by diaspora communities around the world. While the circumstances of usage vary, Olya generally conveys familiarity and warmth due to its diminutive status.

See also Olga (name).