Oliver Last Name Origin, History, and Meaning
Where did the surname Oliver come from? What does the surname Oliver mean? Discover the history and meaning of the last name Oliver and family migration on YourRoots Map.
Surname Oliver Origin: What does the last name Oliver mean?
The surname Oliver is derived from the personal name Oliver and has a strong historical connection to Scotland. The Oliver family was a sept of the powerful Clan Fraser of Lovat in the Scottish Highlands. The earliest records of the Oliver surname date back to the early 12th century in England. By the 17th century, the surname had expanded to the United States, where it saw significant growth. Today, the Oliver surname is prominent in various regions worldwide, with notable volumes of family records in the United States, the United Kingdom, Canada, Australia, New Zealand, Ireland, and South Africa.
YourRoots data confirms the presence of the Oliver surname in the United Kingdom since the early 12th century and its subsequent expansion to other countries over the centuries. The surname Oliver has a rich history and has become widespread globally, reflecting a diverse heritage. It is common among individuals of English, Scottish, Irish, and other ancestries, with a notable presence in the United States. The Oliver surname continues to be a significant part of many cultures and regions, showcasing its enduring legacy and evolution over time.
Oliver Last Name History: Where did the last name Oliver come from?
Origin of Oliver Surname: Where does the last name Oliver originate from?
The earliest records in the YourRoots database indicate that the surname Oliver first appeared in England in the United Kingdom around the early 12th century. Please note that this is based strictly on YourRoots data for the exact “Oliver” spelling and does not include other record sources or surname variations.
History of the Last Name Oliver: What does the Oliver surname history look like in the early days?
The "Oliver" surname remained strongly associated with England from the 12th to the 16th century. However, by the 17th century, the volume of Oliver family records saw significant growth in the United States. This indicates an early expansion of the surname Oliver beyond its initial origins in the United Kingdom.
Global Spread: Where can we find the Oliver surname today?
By the 18th century, the frequency of records with the surname Oliver had significantly increased in the United States, surpassing England. This trend continued through the 19th and early 20th centuries. Today, the "Oliver" surname is prominent in many regions worldwide, particularly in the United States. Other countries with notable volumes of Oliver family records include, but are not limited to, the United Kingdom, Canada, Australia, New Zealand, Ireland, and South Africa.
Explore Oliver last name heritage and Oliver surname origin based on YourRoots Map data

Famous People With Oliver Surame?
John Oliver
John William Oliver (Apr 23, 1977 - ) is a British and American comedian known for hosting Last Week Tonight with John Oliver on HBO. He gained fame as a correspondent on The Daily Show with Jon Stewart and has won multiple Emmy Awards for his work. Oliver is also recognized for his stand-up comedy, acting roles in shows like Community, and voice work in animated films. His impactful show has been dubbed the "John Oliver effect" for its influence on US culture and policymaking. Oliver is a comedic agent of change, tackling important issues with humor and thoughtfulness.
Jamie Oliver
Jamie Trevor Oliver MBE OSI (born 27 May 1975) is an English celebrity chef, restaurateur, and cookbook author. Known for his casual approach to cuisine, he gained fame with his BBC Two series "The Naked Chef" in 1999. Oliver is the second-best-selling British author and best-selling British non-fiction author, with over 14.55 million books sold. He started the campaign "Feed Me Better" to promote healthier foods in schools, backed by the government. Oliver's restaurant chain, Jamie Oliver Restaurant Group, included Jamie's Italian. Despite challenges, Oliver continues to innovate in the culinary world through TV shows, books, and new restaurant ventures.
Andi Oliver
Andi Oliver (born May 26, 1963) is a British chef, TV personality, and former singer known for her appearances on the BBC TV cooking show Great British Menu. She is the author of The Pepperpot Diaries: Stories From My Caribbean Table. Oliver has been involved in various music projects and TV shows, including hosting The Selector radio show and BBC's Christmas Kitchen. She also opened her own award-winning restaurant, Andi's, in 2016. Oliver's daughter is TV presenter Miquita Oliver, and she lives in Wanstead, East London. She continues to be active in the culinary world, hosting her own series and making guest appearances on various programs.
Alison Oliver
Alison Oliver is an Irish actress known for her role as Frances in the BBC Three and Hulu miniseries Conversations with Friends. She was named in Variety's "10 actors to watch" in 2023. Born in Ballintemple, Cork, she moved to Blackrock at a young age. Oliver attended drama school at Trinity College Dublin's The Lir Academy before graduating with a Bachelor of Arts in acting in 2020. Her credits include Best Interests, Women, Beware the Devil, and Dancing at Lughnasa. Oliver made her feature film debut in Saltburn and will star as Isabella Linton in an upcoming adaptation of Wuthering Heights. She is a vegetarian and resides in Peckham, London.
Miquita Oliver
Miquita Billie Alexandra Oliver (April 25, 1984 - ) is a British television presenter known for co-hosting Channel 4's Popworld and presenting on T4. She has also worked in radio, hosting shows on BBC Radio 1 and BBC Radio 1Xtra. Oliver appeared in the BBC TV series 24 Hours in the Past and later filed for bankruptcy. She has a passion for fashion and has been involved in various projects related to the industry. Oliver continues to be active in the entertainment world, hosting podcasts and appearing on television shows with her mother, Andi Oliver.
All images displayed on this page are sourced from Wikipedia or Wikimedia Commons.We use these images under their respective Creative Commons or public domain licenses. Wherever applicable, author attributions and license information are provided. If you believe an image is used incorrectly or outside its license terms, please contact us so that we can review and correct the issue.