Olav
Olav is a Christian boy name of Old Norse origin, meaning “Ancestor's heir, descendant”.
| Meaning | Ancestor's heir, descendant |
|---|---|
| Gender | Boy |
| Origin | Old Norse |
| Pronunciation | OH-lahv |
| Tradition | Christian, Modern & Classic |
| Used in | Norway, Sweden, Denmark, Iceland |
Meaning and origin of Olav
Olav comes from Old Norse Áleifr or Óláfr, usually explained as anu, 'ancestor', plus leifr, 'heir' or 'what is left behind'. The name was carried by several Norwegian kings, above all Olaf II Haraldsson, who pushed the Christianisation of Norway and died at the battle of Stiklestad in 1030. In modern times King Olav V reigned over Norway from 1957 to 1991.
Is Olav a Christian name?
Through Saint Olaf, Norway's patron saint, the name has strong Christian associations in Scandinavia, and his feast, Olsok, is kept on 29 July.
How popular is Olav?
A classic name in Norway that remains in steady use; Olaf and Olof are the usual forms elsewhere.
Gifts with the name Olav
- Olav name necklaces & bracelets (Amazon)
- Personalised Olav baby gifts (Amazon)
- Christian baby gifts & books (Amazon)
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Spellings and variants of Olav
Names similar to Olav
More Christian boy names
Frequently asked questions
What does the name Olav mean?
Olav means 'Ancestor's heir, descendant'. It is of Old Norse origin.
Is Olav a Christian name?
Through Saint Olaf, Norway's patron saint, the name has strong Christian associations in Scandinavia, and his feast, Olsok, is kept on 29 July.
How do you pronounce Olav?
Olav is pronounced OH-lahv.
Is Olav a boy or girl name?
Olav is usually a boy name.