British Names, Germanic Names, English Names, Popular Names, Harry Potter Names, Comedian Names

English speaking countries

From the French Olivier, believed to be an old French version of the Germanic name Alfihar. The name is also associated with the olive tree and therefore peace. Oliver was the 173rd most popular boy's name in the US in 2006, but the third most popular in the UK in 2007. In literature, perhaps the most famous Oliver is Dickens' Oliver Twist.

Oliver Cromwell was the leader of the Parliamentarian army during the English Civil War, and became Lord Protector of England following the execution of Charles I. Other famous bearers include author Oliver Goldsmith, Oliver Hardy - one half of comedy duo Laurel and Hardy, film director Oliver Stone and German footballer Oliver Kahn.

Oliver Tambo was a South African anti-apartheid politician, who worked with Nelson Mandela to provide low-cost legal counsel to blacks prior to Mandela's arrest, and was made President of the African National Congress, the South African anti-apartheid political party, in 1985. Johannesburg International Airport was renamed after him.