The name Oli is a short form of the name Oliver, which is of Latin origin. It means "olive tree" or "elf warrior," depending on whether it's derived from the Latin word "oliva" meaning olive tree or the Germanic elements "alifr" meaning elf and "wari" meaning warrior.
The name Oliver has been used in various forms since the Middle Ages, with its popularity likely stemming from the character Oliver, a knight who appears in French medieval romance literature. In addition, several saints named Oliver have contributed to the spread of the name throughout Europe over the centuries.
Oli as an independent given name is less common than Oliver but has been used occasionally since the late 19th century. It gained some popularity during the mid-20th century and has continued to be used sporadically since then.
Overall, Oli is a strong and distinctive name with a rich history and two possible meanings behind it. Its origin can be traced back to Latin or Germanic roots, making it an attractive choice for parents looking for a unique yet meaningful name for their child.
The name Oli has seen a steady increase in popularity over the past decade in the United States, with a total of 110 births recorded between 2009 and 2023. The year 2023 saw the highest number of babies named Oli, with 16 newborns sharing this name. This marks a significant jump from previous years, indicating that the name Oli is gaining traction among parents-to-be.
Between 2009 and 2018, the number of births for the name Oli remained relatively consistent, fluctuating between 5 and 11 births per year. However, since 2019, there has been a notable rise in popularity, with more than 10 babies being named Oli each year.
This upward trend suggests that the name Oli is becoming more appealing to parents, perhaps due to its unique sound or its associations with positive qualities. Regardless of the reason behind this increase in popularity, it is clear that the name Oli is here to stay and will continue to be chosen by families across the United States.