Origin and Meaning of Olle

Meaning & Origin

An ancestor's descendant

Origin: Swedish - Olle is derived from the Old Norse name ‘Óláfr’, which means 'ancestor's descendant'. It is a diminutive of the name Olaf.

Interesting Facts

  • Olle is a popular name in Sweden and has been used since the Middle Ages, particularly in Scandinavian cultures.
  • The name is predominantly found in Sweden, but variations like Olav are common in other Nordic countries, such as Norway and Denmark.
  • Notable bearers of the name include Swedish athlete Olle Einar Björndalen, who is a famed biathlete with numerous Olympic medals.
  • The name Olle has seen fluctuating popularity in Sweden, being more common in certain decades especially around the late 20th century.
  • Variations of Olle include Olof, Olaf, and Olavi, which are used in various cultures and languages.