Olivia
Pronunciation
- Rhymes: -ɪviə
Origin
From Latin Oliva, an early saints' name from oliva "olive" (symbol of peace). Shakespeare used the form Olivia in Twelfth Night. By folk etymology used as the feminine form of Oliver and, in Scandinavia, of Olaf.
Full definition of Olivia
Proper noun
Olivia
(plural Olivias)- .
- 1601 William Shakespeare, Twelfth Night, Act I, Scene 1:O! when mine eyes did see Olivia first
Methought she purg'd the air of pestilence. - 1766 Oliver Goldsmith, The Vicar of Wakefield:I intended to call her after Aunt Grizel, but my wife who, during pregnancy, had been reading romances, insisted upon her being called Olivia. In less than another year we had another daughter, and now I was determined that Grizel should be her name; but a rich relation taking a fancy to stand godmother, the girl was, by her directions, called Sophia, so that we had two romantic names in the family, but I solemnly protest I had no hand in it.
- 1985 Maeve Binchy, Echoes, Arrow Books (2006), ISBN 978-0099498650, page 404:'Olivia, that's a fine posh name for Castlebay,' he said approvingly. 'Ah, they're sick of these Davids and Clares and Gerrys, the dull old names,' Clare laughed. 'I hope they won't call her Olly,' David said. 'Make your own nickname then,' Gerry said. 'Livy?' Clare suggested. 'Liffey even?' Gerry said.