Last Name Olivi

Learn more about the origin of the last name Olivi

The meaning and origin of the last name Olivi

The surname Olivi is an Italian patronymic, originating from the given name "Olivo," which means "olive tree" in Latin. It is derived from the popular olive tree that is native to Mediterranean regions and has been revered for its symbolism of peace, fertility, and abundance throughout history. The Olivi surname can be found predominantly among Italian families, but it may also be present in other countries with significant Italian influences or immigration. Over time, variations in spelling and pronunciation have arisen due to factors such as regional dialects, transcription errors, and individual preferences. Today, the surname Olivi is distributed globally among diaspora communities.

Geographical distribution of the last name Olivi

The last name Olivi is predominantly found in Italy, particularly in Central and Southern regions such as Tuscany, Umbria, Lazio, Campania, Calabria, and Sicily. It also appears with lower frequency in other parts of the country. A significant number of people bearing this surname can be traced back to the cities of Arezzo, Florence, Rome, Naples, and Palermo. Outside Italy, there are Olivi families in several Spanish-speaking countries like Spain, Mexico, and Argentina due to historical migration. Additionally, small communities of Olivis can be found in France, especially in regions with a significant Italian minority population. In North America, the majority of Olivis reside in the United States, particularly in areas with high Italian immigrant populations such as New York, New Jersey, Pennsylvania, and California. Canada also has a substantial number of Olivi families, primarily concentrated in Ontario and Quebec.

Variants and spellings of the last name Olivi

The surname Olivi has several variations and spellings across different countries and regions. Some of these include Oliveri, Olivieri, Oliva, Olivo, Olivere, and Olivier (French). Other less common forms may also exist due to phonetic changes over time or regional dialects. Additionally, the name can be found in its feminine form, Olivia, which is widely recognized and popular as a given name in many English-speaking countries. The origins of the name are believed to be Italian, where it likely derives from the Italian word "olivo," meaning olive tree. The surname may have been originally bestowed upon someone who lived near an olive grove or whose profession involved olives.

Famous people with the last name Olivi

The Olivi family has produced several notable figures across various fields. In the realm of philosophy, Saint Bonaventure (circa 1221-1274), also known as John of Fidanza, was a Franciscan friar and Doctor of the Church, known for his contributions to scholasticism and theology. In the world of science, Giuseppe Olivi (1863-1936) was an Italian botanist who made significant contributions to the understanding of plant pathology. He is particularly recognized for his research on fungi and their impact on crops. The Olivis have also left their mark in music. Renzo Oliva (born 1948), an Italian musician, composer, and arranger, has been a prominent figure in jazz and pop music for over four decades. His versatility as a keyboardist, multi-instrumentalist, and songwriter has made him one of the most respected figures in contemporary Italian music.

Genealogical research on the last name Olivi

The Olivi surname is Italian and originates from the Roman town of Oliveto, located in modern-day Tuscany. Historically, it was used as a topographic name for someone who lived near an olive grove or a place named Oliveto. Over time, the Olivi family expanded across Italy and beyond, with notable branches in Umbria, Lazio, and Lombardy.

Notable bearers of this surname include St. Ugolino of Orvieto (1229-1293), an Italian Franciscan theologian and philosopher; Giacomo Francesco Maria Olivi (1590-1648), a Jesuit philosopher and theologian; and Girolamo Olivieri (1871-1934), an Italian architect known for his work on the San Siro Stadium in Milan. The Olivi name can also be found among the Jewish diaspora, with prominent individuals such as Samuel Olivo (died 1506) and Moses Olivei (17th century). Genealogical research suggests that many descendants of the Olivi family reside in Italy, the United States, Brazil, Argentina, France, and Israel.

Last name distribution maps

Sources & References

• INSEE statistics on the surname "Olivi"
• Global distribution of the surname on Forebears.io
• Wikipedia Article

About the author :

NomOrigine Team
Passionate about genealogy, name history, and linguistics, we have been analyzing the origins of names for over 3 years. Our content is based on verified historical, etymological, and statistical data.
Last updated : 15 June 2025