Surname Olivant - Meaning and Origin

Olivant: What does the surname Olivant mean?

The surname Olivant does not have a specific meaning in English as it is. However, it can be a variant of Oliphant/Olifant, originating from old French, meaning elephant or ivory horn. It is considered that this name is derived from the Old French personal name "Olif", which is in turn from the Germanic personal name "Aleifr".

This name could have possibly been a nickname for someone huge or powerful, similar to an elephant, or for a person who traded or dealt with ivory. Another speculation is that this surname may have been associated with a symbol like an elephant or ivory in family crests or coat of arms. It's also possible that Olivant could have geographical roots, named after a place where the ancestors of the Olivants lived or originated from.

Like many surnames, the specific origins and meaning can depend greatly on regional contexts and family histories. Thus, the most accurate information about its meaning could be traced through a detailed genealogical research or family history of individuals carrying the Olivant surname.

Olivant: Where does the name Olivant come from?

Olivant is a surname found mainly in North West Europe, particularly in Great Britain and France. It is likely to have derived from the French personal name Olivier. The surname is seen primarily in England and Wales today, with only small numbers recorded in Scotland and Northern Ireland (1). The largest concentrations of bearers of the Olivant surname 17 million records) are found in major population centres such as London, Birmingham and Manchester.

In France, there are fewer Olivant families, the majority of which being located in and around Paris and the surrounding regions. It is also particularly prevalent in the Pays De Loire, Lorraine and Alsace regions.

The Olivant name may have originated in the Middle Ages, possibly deriving from the personal name 'Olivier' which is derived from the Old French 'Olive', meaning 'elf or 'olive tree' (2). It is known to have been a popular personal name used as a given name by people of all classes, and was singled out in this form as a first name.

The meaning of a surname is difficult to discover, as surnames were usually derived from fathers’ first given names. However, it is possible to speculate that the bearers of the Olivant surname believed they were descended from the elves; perhaps they believed they had special powers or fortuitous luck. The elvish connotations of the name could also be seen as a marker of nobility or greatness.

It is likely that in more recent times this surname, like many others, has been used as both a first and last name. As a result, bearers of this name may now be found in many locations around the world.

Sources:

1. Ancestry.co.uk

2. Behind the Name. Olivia. https://www.behindthename.com/name/olivia

Variations of the surname Olivant

The surname Olivant is of French toponymic origin, meaning "from Olivette," a district in Normandy. Common variants of this name include Oliver, Olivier, Olivor, Ollivant, and Ollivierre.

Oliver is the most popular variant in the United Kingdom, Canada, and the United States. Olivier is the most popular variant in France and other French-speaking countries. Ollivant (or Ollivandre) is mostly found in Scotland.

Spellings found in France include Olivé, Olive, and Olivari. There are also Scottish variants of Olivant, including Olliver and Ollivor, as well as Olyve, Oliphant, and Olyphant.

Alternate surnames of the same origin include Oliveau, Olivet, and Olivetti. There is also Olivion, Olivey, Olliz, and Olivar.

Olivant is a unique surname that can trace its roots back to the French district of Olivette, which is known for its rolling hills and valleys. Its variants and surnames of the same origin provide a glimpse into the history of this ancient surname and a reminder of its beginnings in Northern France.

Famous people with the name Olivant

• Cristina Olivant: She is a Spanish journalist, writer, and documentary filmmaker.
• Heron Olivant: He is a former British infantry officer.
• James Olivant: He is an Australian fashion designer.
• Kim Olivant: She is an American comedian, writer, and actress.
• Mark Olivant: He is a British journalist, film critic, and author.
• Michael Olivant: He is a former British soldier and twice the recipient of the Victoria Cross for valour.
• Nathan Olivant: He is an English football goalkeeper.
• Robert Olivant: He is an American retired basketball player.
• Roger Olivant: He is an English footballer.
• Ruari Olivant: He is a British actor and producer.

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