Olaf
BoyOld Norse
Olaf is a boy name of Old Norse origin meaning "ancestor's descendant / heir of the ancestors".
About this name
Gender
Boy
Language
Old Norse
Religion
None
Popularity
2 / 100
Syllables
2
Length
4 letters
Meaning
ancestor's descendant / heir of the ancestors
Etymology
Derived from Old Norse Áleifr, composed of á (ancestor) + leifr (descendant, heir). The name entered the Scandinavian languages via Viking Age usage.
Famous People Named Olaf
- Olaf Scholz — German politician (SPD), ninth Chancellor of the Federal Republic of Germany (2021–2025), Member of the Bundestag
- Olaf Gulbransson — Norwegian artist (1873-1958)
Frequently Asked Questions About Olaf
What does the name Olaf mean?
Olaf means "ancestor's descendant / heir of the ancestors", and is of Old Norse origin.
What is the origin of the name Olaf?
Olaf originates from Old Norse, commonly used in Northern Europe (Scandinavia).
Is Olaf a boy or girl name?
Olaf is typically used as a boy name.
What religion is the name Olaf associated with?
Olaf is associated with None.
Are there famous people named Olaf?
Yes — notable people named Olaf include Olaf Scholz (German politician (SPD)) and Olaf Gulbransson (Norwegian artist, 1873-1958).
Last updated: June 2026