Olaf
Meaning of Olaf
Olaf is a male name with Scandinavian origins. It is pronounced as OH-lahf (/ˈoʊ.lɑf/). Variations of the name include Ole and Olav. Over the years, Olaf has maintained a steady but not overly popular presence in the United States. In recent years, it has been given to around 6 to 9 newborn boys annually, ranking around 8000th to 10000th in terms of popularity. Despite its modest usage, Olaf carries a rich historical and cultural significance. It is well-known as the name of several medieval kings in Scandinavia, including Olaf II of Norway who was later canonized as Saint Olaf. The name Olaf also gained wider recognition through the beloved character Olaf the snowman from Disney's animated film "Frozen". With its strong Scandinavian heritage and associations with both history and pop culture, Olaf is an intriguing choice for parents seeking a unique and meaningful name for their baby boy.
Pronunciation
Scandinavian
- Pronunced as OH-lahf (/ˈoʊ.lɑf/)
U.S. Popularity Chart
Notable People Named Olaf
| Olaf Scholz is the current Chancellor of Germany and a prominent member of the Social Democratic Party (SPD). |
| Olaf II of Norway - Olaf II Haraldsson, also known as Saint Olaf and Olaf the Holy, was a King of Norway from 1015 to 1028, and his sainthood played a significant role in the adoption of Christianity by the Vikings/Norsemen. |
| Olaf Stapledon, a British philosopher and science fiction author, was honored with induction into the Science Fiction and Fantasy Hall of Fame in 2014. |
| Olaf Karl Tufte is a Norwegian rower, firefighter, and farmer who has competed in seven Olympics and achieved success as a single sculler. |
| Olaf I of Denmark - Olaf I, also known as Olaf Hunger, was the king of Denmark from 1086 to 1095, succeeding his brother Canute IV the Holy, and was the third of Sweyn II Estridsson's sons to rule. |
| Olaf Pollack is a German former professional track and road racing cyclist known for his expertise in sprint races and competitions. |
| Olaf II of Denmark, also known as Olav IV of Norway, was a medieval monarch who ruled both Denmark and Norway until his death. |
| Olaf Haraldsson Geirstadalf - Olaf Haraldssøn Geirstadalf Digerbein was a notable figure as the reputed son of King Harald Fairhair of Norway and Svanhild Øysteinsdatter, daughter of Øystein Jarl. |
| Olaf von Wrangel was a German journalist, radio and television correspondent, and politician for the Christian Democratic Union of Germany (CDU). |
| Olaf Barda, also known as Olaf M. Olsen, was a Norwegian chess player and the first Norwegian to be awarded the chess title of International Master in 1952. |
| Olaf Henning Thommessen is the former CEO of SMB Norge and a previous politician for the Liberal Party in Norway. |
| Olaf Poulsen was a renowned Danish comedic stage actor known for his memorable performances in various roles for the Royal Danish Theatre, including Nick Bottom in A Midsummer Night's Dream and Falstaff, as well as his acclaimed portrayal of Old Ekdal in Henrik Ibsen's The Wild Duck. |
| Olaf Sletten - Olaf Johannessen was a Norwegian shooter who won two Olympic silver medals and one bronze medal at the 1920 Summer Olympics in Antwerp. |
| Olaf Schubert is a German comedian and musician. |
| Olaf H. Johnson was an American politician. |
