NomOrigine Background

Last Name Ollier

What is the origin of the last name Ollier?

The surname Ollier is believed to have origins in France. It is derived from a given name, Olivier, which itself comes from the Latin name Olivarius meaning "olive tree keeper". This name was popularized by St. Olivier (also known as St. Oliver or Saint Éloi), the patron saint of blacksmiths and metalworkers, whose feast day is May 1st. The surname Ollier or its variations such as Olliver, Oliver, and Olle are found throughout France but are most common in the Brittany region. Over time, French-speaking families with this surname have emigrated to other countries, spreading the name globally.

Unlock and discover the hidden secrets of the surname Ollier

Unlock the Secrets of Your Surname Now

For only 3.95 $, you get:

  • Full access for 7 days
  • Unlimited access to all name and surname profiles
  • High-quality Origin Certificate
  • Download: Keep a precious memory with your origins downloadable in PDF format.
  • Unlimited search
  • Ad-Free: Enjoy a smooth and uninterrupted user experience.
  • ✅ 15-Day Money-Back Satisfaction Guarantee!
Unlock the Secrets of Your Surname Now
🎁 Special offer today: 3.95 $ instead of 6.95 $
⏳ This exclusive offer expires in:

✅ 15-Day Money-Back Satisfaction Guarantee!

What our users say

“I discovered fascinating details about my family history. This service is amazing for tracing our roots!” - Jean D.

“This site strengthened our sense of family belonging by uncovering our origins. Highly recommended!” - Marie L.

“The information was detailed and accurate. I learned interesting facts about my ancestors. A must-have!” - Paul S.

✅ Join the 5,000+ people who have already discovered the fascinating history of their last name!

Discover my family history now

Frequently Asked Questions

Question: What will I discover by exploring my last name?
Answer: You will discover the geographical origin, etymology, and unique history of your last name. You can also explore family traditions and historical events connected to it.

Question: How long does it take to access the information?
Answer: Once your payment is confirmed, access is instant. You can start exploring right away.

Question: Are the details about my last name accurate?
Answer: Our data comes from extensive research in reliable archives and historical databases. While we cannot guarantee 100% accuracy, we strive to provide the most complete and precise information possible.

Payment Information

or pay by card

By clicking 'Confirm my payment', you agree to our refund policy, accessible via this link: Refund Policy, as well as our cancellation policy accessible via this link: Cancellation Policy

Learn more about the origin of the last name Ollier

The meaning and origin of the last name Ollier

The surname Ollier is of French origin, derived from various place names in France. The most notable of these places include Olleas, Olleir, and Olieres, which are found primarily in the Occitanie region. The name likely comes from the Old Occitan language, where "olièr" meant olive grower or cultivator. Over time, this name spread to other regions, especially during the Middle Ages when population movements were common. As people migrated, they often carried their surnames with them, contributing to its dispersal across Europe and, later, to the New World. Today, Ollier is a relatively uncommon surname but can be found in various countries, most notably France and Belgium, reflecting its French origins.

Geographical distribution of the last name Ollier

The surname Ollier is predominantly found in France, particularly in the region of Brittany and Normandy, where it originated as a patronymic from the personal name Olivier, a French form of Oliver. Over time, individuals bearing this name emigrated to other parts of Europe and the Americas. In Belgium, the Netherlands, and Switzerland, Ollier is also relatively common due to historical connections with France. In North America, significant concentrations of people with the last name Ollier can be found in Canada and the United States, primarily in Quebec and Acadia (now Nova Scotia and New Brunswick), regions where French settlers were prominent. The distribution of this surname reflects both historical migrations and linguistic heritage.

Variants and spellings of the last name Ollier

The surname Ollier has various spelling variations due to historical translations and regional dialects. These include Olliér, Olleir, Olié, and Ollieres, among others. Some common phonetic variants include Olley, Ollie, and Oliver (though the latter is more commonly associated with a different origin). These variations are found across multiple countries, reflecting migrations and cultural influences over time. However, it's important to note that not all variations may be equally distributed geographically, with some being more prevalent in certain regions than others.

Famous people with the last name Ollier

Notable individuals with the surname Ollier include:

1. Jean-Pierre Ollier (born 1928), a French geologist who is known for his work on magmatism and volcanology, including contributions to understanding the petrology of basaltic rocks.

2. Pierre Paul Louis Ollier (1746–1830), a French surgeon and anatomist who described various medical conditions, such as the eponymous Ollier disease, a benign bone tumor disorder.

3. Charles Ollier (1830-1910), a British author and critic who wrote books on literature and art, including a biography of George Eliot.

4. Jean Ollivier (1927–2015), a French diplomat and politician who served as the European Commissioner for External Relations and Chief Spokesman between 1989 and 1993.

These individuals have made significant contributions in various fields, including geology, medicine, literature, and politics.

Genealogical research on the last name Ollier

The surname Ollier, originating from France, is primarily associated with the Normandy region and the city of Rouen. It is derived from the Old Norse personal name "Olafr," meaning "ancestor's wolf" or "descendant of the wolf." During the Norman Conquest in 1066, many Normans, including those bearing the Ollier surname, accompanied William the Conqueror to England. The family is known to have settled in various parts of England, notably Devon and Cornwall. Over time, the spelling variations such as Olivier, Allier, and O'Lier also emerged due to phonetic changes, transcription errors, and regional dialects. The Ollier family lineage can be traced through records in parish churches, census data, and historical documents that provide evidence of their presence across England, France, and other countries where the name has been carried by descendants.

Last name distribution maps

Chargement de la carte...

Sources & References

About the author :
NomOrigine Team
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 : 28 July 2025

Share the origin of your last name with your friends

Search the origin of a family name

Enter the surname you are looking for below:

Similar Last Names

Olla (Last name)

surnames > olla

The surname Olla is of Spanish and Italian origin. In both languages, "olla" means a pot or cooking pot, possibly referring to an occupational name for someone who was a potter or ...

Ollaalgihadi (Last name)

surnames > ollaalgihadi

The last name Ollaalgihadi does not have a known origin. It does not appear to be of English or Western origin and may be specific to a certain culture or region.

Ollal (Last name)

surnames > ollal

The last name "Ollal" is of Spanish origin. It is derived from the word "oliva," which means olive in Spanish. This surname likely originated from a place name or a family that liv...

Ollarves (Last name)

surnames > ollarves

The surname Ollarves is of Spanish origin. It is a patronymic surname derived from the given name "Olarves," which itself likely has origins in the Latin name "Olarius," meaning "o...

Ollatkottil (Last name)

surnames > ollatkottil

The last name Ollatkottil is of Indian origin. It is a South Indian name from the state of Kerala.

Ollesor (Last name)

surnames > ollesor

Ollesor is a possible variant spelling of the surname "Oleson," which is of Scandinavian origin. The name means "son of Ole," with Ole being a common given name in Denmark, Norway,...

Ollibro (Last name)

surnames > ollibro

The surname Ollibro is of Italian origin. It is a variant of the surname Olivero, which is derived from the personal name "Oliviero" or "Oliver", ultimately coming from the Latin w...

Ollidap (Last name)

surnames > ollidap

The last name "Ollidap" does not appear to have a specific origin or meaning in English. It is possible that it is a variant spelling or a less common surname with origins in a par...

Ollidutsa (Last name)

surnames > ollidutsa

The last name "Ollidutsa" appears to have Finnish origins. In Finnish, surnames are often derived from personal names, locations, occupations, or other descriptive attributes.

Ollihcocneub (Last name)

surnames > ollihcocneub

The last name "ollihcocneub" does not appear to have a known origin in English. It is possible that this last name may be a variant spelling or a made-up name.

Ollitap (Last name)

surnames > ollitap

The last name "ollitap" does not appear to have a commonly known origin or meaning in the English language. It is possible that it could be a rare or unique surname with a specific...

Ollivier (Last name)

surnames > ollivier

The last name "Ollivier" is of French origin. It is a variant of the name "Olivier," which is derived from the Latin name "Oliverius," meaning "olive tree." This surname likely ori...

Ollmann (Last name)

surnames > ollmann

The surname Ollmann is a Germanic name, derived from the Middle High German words "Alman" or "Olm", which refer to a person who lived near an alder tree (Alm) or a swampy area wher...

Ollq (Last name)

surnames > ollq

The last name "Ollq" does not appear to have a clear origin or meaning in English. It is possible that it is a rare or uncommon surname, or it may be a variant or misspelling of a ...

Olluara (Last name)

surnames > olluara

The last name "Olluara" is of Basque origin, specifically from the Basque Country in northern Spain. It is derived from the Basque word "olu" meaning "wolf" and the suffix "-ara" m...