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Olive

Girl name · 296 babies recorded · 1974–2025

Olive: 296 babies born in Scotland since 1974, given to girls, peaking at 41 births in 2024.

Derived from the Latin word *oliva* meaning 'olive fruit', Olive has been used as a given name since the 19th century, often symbolising peace and fruitfulness. Notable bearers include South African writer and feminist Olive Schreiner, author of *The Story of an African Farm*, and the fictional yet beloved Olive Kitteridge, protagonist of Elizabeth Strout's Pulitzer-winning novel. While no major geographical feature shares the name directly, the olive tree's biblical and Mediterranean associations lend it a timeless, earthy charm. A vintage favourite that fell out of fashion mid-20th century, Olive has seen a strong revival in Scotland and beyond, often chosen as a fresh alternative to the more elaborate Olivia.