Olivier Family Crest and Surname Origin
A short guide to the Olivier surname: its meaning, its roots in France, and its heraldry.
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Origin of the Olivier name
Olivier comes from the given name Olivier, popular in medieval France through Oliver, the companion of Roland in the Chanson de Roland. The name was associated with the olive tree, Latin oliva, and in some cases the surname refers to someone who grew or lived by olive trees. It is found throughout France, and Huguenot settlers carried it to South Africa, where it is an established Afrikaner name.
Our historical archives hold much more on the Olivier name: dates, names and records of early bearers.
This overview covers the Olivier name in France. We also hold records of the name in other countries, such as Canada, Belgium and South Africa; your full pack is researched for your family's country of origin.
Get your full Olivier family history
The researched Olivier pack traces meaning, early bearers and migration routes, and includes a personalized Olivier coat of arms.
Olivier name FAQ
What does the Olivier name mean?
Olive tree. Common variants include Ollivier, Olivié, Oliver.
Where does the Olivier surname come from?
It originates in France, and is also found in Canada, Belgium and South Africa.
Is there a Olivier coat of arms?
Arms were granted to individuals, not whole surnames, so there is no single Olivier crest. Herald Lab paints a personalized Olivier coat of arms based on historic heraldry.
Researched by Herald Lab Research Studio, since 1993. Sources: Albert Dauzat & Marie-Thérèse Morlet, Dictionnaire étymologique des noms de famille et prénoms de France; Dictionary of American Family Names (Oxford).