Olga is a feminine given name of Slavic origin. It comes from the Old Norse name Helga, which means "sacred" or "holy". The name Olga has been associated with several historical figures throughout history.
The most notable of these is Grand Princess Olga of Kiev, who was the ruler of Kievan Rus' in the 10th century. She is often credited with converting her country to Christianity and is considered a saint by both the Eastern Orthodox Church and the Roman Catholic Church. Another famous historical figure named Olga is Queen Olga of Greece, who was the mother of King George I of Greece.
The name Olga has been popular in Slavic countries for centuries, but it also gained popularity in other parts of Europe during the 19th century. Today, it is still a common given name in Russia, Poland, and other Slavic countries, as well as in Scandinavia and Germany.
Overall, the name Olga has a rich history and meaningful origin, making it a popular choice for parents looking for a feminine name with a strong connection to its cultural roots.
The name Olga has a rich history of usage in the United States, with a significant number of babies being named Olga each year since the late 19th century. The first peak in popularity occurred between the years 1880 and 1892, with the highest number of births recorded in 1892 at 301.
After a brief decline, the name regained its popularity during the early 20th century, reaching its peak in 1915 with an impressive 1532 births. This trend continued until 1924, after which there was another decrease in usage.
Throughout the mid to late 20th century, the name Olga maintained a relatively steady level of popularity, with approximately 100-300 births each year. However, since the early 1980s, there has been a noticeable decline in the number of babies named Olga, with only around 50-70 births per year recorded between 2000 and 2023.
Overall, the name Olga has been given to a total of 61,765 babies in the United States since records began. Despite its recent decline in popularity, it remains a classic and timeless name with a strong historical presence.