Oliver

The name Oliver is primarily a male name of English origin that means Descendant Of The Ancestor. Contrary to popular belief, the name Oliver has nothing to do with the olive tree. The name Oliver is derived from the old Norse name Áleifr, meaning "ancestor's descendant." The most common nickname for Oliver is Ollie. Other nicknames include Ol and Oly. Famous Olivers include director Oliver Stone and actors Oliver Hardy, Oliver Platt, Oliver Reed, and Oliver Hudson. Oliver Wendell Holmes, Jr. was an American Supreme Court Justice and Oliver Cromwell was a famous British military leader and politician. Both Oliver North (general) and Oliver Hazard Perry (commodore) were American military leaders. Jamie Oliver is a British chef and John Oliver is a television host and political commentator. Oliver is also a musical based on the Charles Dickens novel, Oliver Twist.