Dog Names > Oliver

Oliver

Male

Meaning

Descendant Of The Ancestor

Origin

British

Pronunciation

/ˈɒlɪvər/

EDITOR'S NOTE

Emily P.

PupNames.com Contributor

Oliver is a top-notch dog name, and here's why. It's got a touch of British charm, thanks to Charles Dickens' famous character, Oliver Twist. It's like naming your dog after a plucky, resilient hero who's always up for an adventure. Plus, it's derived from the Latin word 'olivarius', meaning 'olive tree'. So, if your pup's got a peaceful, enduring spirit, it's a perfect fit. And let's not forget Oliver & Company, the Disney film featuring a scrappy, street-smart canine. So, if you're looking for a name with literary flair, historical roots, and a dash of Disney magic, Oliver is a winner!

Traits associated with the name Oliver:

Dogs named Oliver tend to be loving, affectionate, good-natured, and strong-willed. This name is also associated with companionship, and intelligence.

What does it say about you to have a dog named Oliver?

That you have a fondness for classic names and may have a soft spot for animals.

Is Oliver a good dog name?

Oliver has more syllables than most dog names, but you can easily give your pup a nickname to shorten things. Oliver isn't one of the most common names, so your dog will certainly stand out. If you love the name, you should pick it!

Popularity: Overall

267

New York City Dog Name Database

115

Los Angeles Times 'Top Dogs'

Naming your dog Oliver is certainly a thing, but it's one of the more niche choices out there according to our data.

Popularity: Historical Trend

Oliver was, in the past month, the 221st most viewed dog name on PupNames.com.

As of May 2025, Oliver is becoming ever more niche with new puppy owners. Our stats suggest that the name is less fashionable than it was at this time last year.

We've seen quite a lot of variation in rank for this name, which may suggest seasonal factors or interest driven by pop culture events.

In the past week, Oliver was viewed 133 times, and liked 3 times.

Popularity: United States

The map below shows Oliver's popularity across the United States, according to PupNames data.

Oliver is most adored in Connecticut, Alabama and Colorado.

By contrast, the name has been shown the least amount of interest in Idaho, Rhode Island and Tennessee.

Popularity: Around The World

And this world map shows which countries have the greatest love for the name Oliver.

Famous dogs named Oliver:

A great dane named Oliver appeared in the comic book Dogs of C-Kennel by Mick and Mason Mastroianni.

Oliver is found in these categories:

disney

Named after a charming, animated orphaned kitten from 1988 film.

british

Famous from Dickens' novel and a popular UK baby name.

hunting

The name's popularity among hunting dog owners and its association with strength and endurance.

nature

Derived from Latin, it signifies "olive tree", a symbol of peace and fruitfulness.

posh

Derived from aristocracy, it's favored by high society and Charles Dickens fans.

preppy

Emanates upper-crust charm, echoing Dickensian aristocracy and Ivy League sophistication.

old-fashioned

Echoes Victorian era, popularized by Dickens' character Twist in 19th century.

Dog names like Oliver:

Max

Greatest

Oscar

Deer Lover

Sebastian

Venerable

Overton

From The Riverbank Town

Ollie

Elf Army

Otto

Prosperous, rich

Comments (3)

🇺🇸

Adrianna (Nevada, United States)

Oliver is a handsome name for a dog but I think it’s more of a cat name because Oliver currently holds the number one cat name of 2021.
August 03, 2024

🇨🇴

Andrés (Bogota D.C., Colombia)

As it is! My Oliver is a sheepdog and shnawzer mix, rescued from a shelter. It's been wonderful to have him. It changed our lives!
March 05, 2024 ◆ Translated

🇨🇱

Rox (Santiago Metropolitan, Chile)

My border collie is called Oliver and his name describes how he is, very kind, with a lot of patience, he gives a lot of love, we love him at home 💖
August 19, 2023 ◆ Translated

Let us know what you think of Oliver as a dog name!