Olev

Norse

"ancestor's relic"

Olev Origin and Meaning

The name Olev is a boy's name.

Olev is an Estonian and Scandinavian masculine name with ancient roots. It's a variant of Olaf, which derives from the Old Norse name Áleifr, composed of elements meaning "ancestor's relic" or "ancestral heritage." In Estonian culture, the name gained prominence through the legendary figure Olev in the national epic "Kalevipoeg." The name remains relatively common in Estonia and has some usage in Finland and other Nordic countries. Outside these regions, Olev is quite rare, giving it an exotic quality while still being fairly straightforward to pronounce for English speakers. The name carries connotations of heritage, strength, and cultural pride, making it a meaningful choice for those with Estonian or Nordic ancestry.