Got an idea for a holiday? Send it to us

Submit Now

National Olivia Day – June 11, 2023

National Olivia Day is observed on June 11. Olivia is a Latin name derived from the word ‘oliva’ meaning ‘peace,’ and the feminine alternative to the boy name Oliver. In the U.S., there are only a handful of popular names for girls beginning with the initial letter ‘O,’ and Olivia is one of the favorite options.

History of National Olivia Day

Olivia is a popular name for girls, not only in the United States, but also in the U.K., Australia, and Canada. In fact, it has ranked in the top 100 U.S. names since 1990. Olivia is primarily a female name of English origin and means ‘Ancestor’s Descendant.’ It derives from the male name, Oliver, which is a derivation of the old Norse name, ‘Áleifr.’ Although there is a popular opinion about the meaning of the name, it is said that it is not related to olives or the olive tree.
Some attribute the popularity of the name to the character Olivia in Shakespeare’s “Twelfth Night,” which has kept it popular ever since. In the well-known 17th-century play, Olivia is a romantic figure both noble and beautiful.

The most common nicknames for Olivia include Liv, Livvy, and Libby. There are numerous famous actresses called Olivia, such as Olivia de Havilland, Olivia Wilde, and Olivia Hussey. One of the more famous actresses/singers is Olivia Newton-John. The famous writer was Olivia Goldsmith and American painter Olivia De Berardinis.

There are also places in the United States named Olivia. These include Olivia, North Carolina, and Olivia, Minnesota. Fictional Olivias include the piglet in the children’s book by Ian Falconer. It is also a popular name for television characters including Olivia Benson (“Law & Order”), Olivia Pope (“Scandal”), and Olivia Dunham (“Fringe”). In 2014, the refreshingly strong, female name made the jump from number three to the number two spot in the U.S., remaining there until its victorious transition to number one in 2019.

National Olivia Day timeline

1400s
First Records of Olivia

The initial popularity of the name might be attributed to the beautiful, sought-after heiress in William Shakespeare's play, “Twelfth Night.”

1990
Olivia Ranks in the Top 100

This name becomes one of the most popular girl names in the United States.

2014
Its Popularity Jumps

Olivia makes the jump from number three to number two in the United States.

2019
Top of the List

Olivia makes its victorious transition to number one in the United States.

National Olivia Day FAQs

Who is the most famous Olivia in the world?

Olivia Newton-John, a singer and songwriter, is the most famous person named Olivia.

How many Olivias are in the world?

For the past five years, there were 18,451 babies named Olivia.

What middle names go with Olivia?

Two middle names that go with Olivia are Belle and Grace.

National Olivia Day Activities

  1. Give an Olivia a present

    If you know someone called Olivia, this is the perfect day to honor her. Buy her a gift or invite her to have dinner.

  2. Share a post of an Olivia

    There are many famous actresses and singers called Olivia. Choose your favorite and share a post about this day on social media.

  3. Change your name for a day

    Another fun idea to celebrate this day is changing your name for one day. Call yourself Olivia for one day.

5 Curious Facts About “Olivia”

  1. Olivia Pope

    The name skyrocketed thanks to the T.V. show “Scandal,” in which its powerful lead character is Olivia Pope.

  2. Liv Tyler

    Aerosmith lead singer Steven Tyler created a buzz around the name Liv with his actress daughter, Liv Tyler.

  3. Meaning of Liv

    The nickname Liv is said to be suitable for a lively, energetic personality and it means ‘life’ in Scandinavian.

  4. Meaning of Ollie

    The nickname Ollie for a girl describes someone patient, kind, and generous.

  5. Olive Tree

    It is said that Olivia has a biblical meaning and it is referred to as ‘the olive tree’ as a symbol of fruitfulness, beauty, and dignity.

Why We Love National Olivia Day

  1. It is a beautiful name

    Olivia is a beautiful name dating back to Shakespearian times. It offers many interesting choices for nicknames.

  2. There are famous actresses we admire

    This name is also famous because many actresses are called Olivia. An example of a famous Olivia is Olivia Wilde, an American Broadway actress, director, and television/film star best known for her role in the T.V. drama, "House."

  3. It is a day to celebrate

    It’s an opportunity to know someone called Olivia and have a perfect celebration. See what you can do for an Olivia on this day.

National Olivia Day dates

YearDateDay
2023June 11Sunday
2024June 11Tuesday
2025June 11Wednesday
2026June 11Thursday
2027June 11Friday

Holidays Straight to Your Inbox

Every day is a holiday!
Receive fresh holidays directly to your inbox.