Ola: Name Day, Name Meaning & More
Name days are traditional cultural celebrations marking the feast day of the saint a person is named after, providing an alternative celebration to a birthday. The name Ola is celebrated on April 19th in Sweden and July 29th in Norway, highlighting its strong Scandinavian ties. The name's journey is fascinating, encompassing popularity in regions from Northern Europe to West Africa, resulting in diverse origins and meanings. Its versatility is further seen in its dual gender identity and the straightforward, friendly mood it conveys. This introduction sets the stage for exploring the multifaceted nature of the globally recognized name Ola.
Name Day: Dates by Country
Ola's name day is celebrated
on April 19 in Sweden and
July 29 in Norway.
The Story Behind This Name
The name Ola enjoys significant popularity across several distinct regions globally, often fulfilling different linguistic roles. In Scandinavia, particularly Norway and Sweden, it is historically common, serving mainly as a masculine short form of Olav or Olaf. Conversely, Ola is also a widely used feminine name in countries like Poland, where it frequently acts as a diminutive of Aleksandra. In West Africa, notably Nigeria, it is prevalent as an independent name rooted in the Yoruba language, distinct from its European uses. In the USA, Ola is relatively uncommon today, though historical records show occasional usage, sometimes among Scandinavian immigrant communities or as a standalone feminine name in the early 20th century. Its diverse global usage highlights how this simple, two-syllable form has been adopted by distinct cultures.
Name origin and meaning
The name Ola possesses multiple independent origins stemming from different languages and cultures. In its Scandinavian context, Ola is primarily derived from the Old Norse name *Anleifr*, which traditionally conveys the meaning of “ancestor’s relic” or “heir.” In Slavic regions, particularly Poland, it serves as a common and affectionate short form of the feminine name Aleksandra, which means “defender of mankind.” Furthermore, in West African languages, specifically Yoruba, Ola is a standalone name meaning “wealth,” “prosperity,” or “value.” This rare cross-cultural presence provides the name with layered depth depending on the regional etymology used.
Name Identity: Gender Classification
The gender classification of Ola is notably varied, making it a truly multi-gender or unisex name depending on location. In Norway and Sweden, Ola is almost exclusively masculine, functioning as a common diminutive for Olav. However, in Poland and many other Slavic countries, Ola is predominantly feminine, used as a familiar nickname for Aleksandra. Historically in the United States, particularly in the early 1900s, Ola was sometimes registered as a female first name. In West African cultures, such as among the Yoruba people, the name can be used for either sex. Therefore, context is essential to determine the intended gender of the bearer of the name Ola.
The Name Effect: Mood, Tone & Personality
The name Ola projects a distinctly friendly and approachable vibe due to its short, simple, and memorable structure. Its two syllables give it a brisk, straightforward tone, suggesting reliability and efficiency. Depending on its regional usage, it can feel traditional and strong in Scandinavia, or conversely, playful and affectionate when used as a diminutive in Eastern Europe. The short form lends itself to a modern sensibility while maintaining deep historical roots in various cultures. Overall, Ola conveys a warm, familiar, and uncomplicated personality.
A Name in Reverse Harmony: Ola
A name that follows reverse alphabetical order has a distinctive and rare structure, giving it a strong and balanced feel. This unique arrangement makes it stand out, as it flows in a way opposite to the usual progression. Its hidden pattern adds an unexpected yet intriguing quality, making it both memorable and fascinating.
Mirror Magic: Ola & Alo
Some names hold a hidden surprise—when reversed, they reveal another beautiful and valid name. This playful symmetry adds a unique charm, making the pair feel like secret reflections of each other. Whether by chance or design, these reversible names create a fascinating linguistic connection between two identities.
See also:
Alo: Name Day, Name Meaning & More Unlocking the Hidden Meaning of Name: Ola
Your name is more than just a label - it holds a unique energy that influences your personality, destiny, and life path. Through numerology and astrology, we uncover the deeper meanings behind your name, revealing your strengths, challenges, and the energy you bring into the world.
Pythagorean Numerology: The Hidden Meaning of Name
Destiny number: 1 – The Leader.
Keywords: Independence, ambition, innovation, leadership, determination.
Positive Traits: Self-motivated, original thinker, confident, goal-oriented, strong-willed.
Challenges: Can be stubborn, impatient, egotistical, or overly competitive.
Life Path Meaning: A path of leadership, individuality, and pioneering new ideas.
Chaldean Numerology: Name Energy and Spiritual Insights
First name number: 11 - The Visionary.
Highly spiritual, intuitive, inspiring, and a natural guide for others.
Can struggle with anxiety, sensitivity, or self-doubt.
The Cosmic Secret Code: What The Name Says About You
The name is linked to the planet that governs it, shaping the name's meaning and influencing the traits associated with it.
Planet: Sun - Leadership, Confidence, Vitality.
The Sun represents power, authority, and self-expression. Names influenced by the Sun often belong to individuals who are natural-born leaders, radiating warmth, charisma, and creativity. They tend to have a strong presence, a sense of purpose, and a desire for recognition. Sun-ruled names often evoke images of brightness, strength, and nobility.
Name days: Name Ola
This list shows name days in different countries where the name is written in the same form. The dates are based on traditional calendars and cultural name celebrations. If your name matches exactly, you can see when it is honored in various parts of the world.
Name days: Similar names (Ola)
Here you’ll find name days for names that are similar in spelling, pronunciation, or origin. Many cultures group related names together, even if they are not identical. If your name has a close variation, you may find relevant name day dates in this section.
| Country | Month | Day | Name days |
 USA | January | 20 | Fabia, Fabian, Fabiola, Sebastian, Sebastiana |
 Austria | January | 23 | Hartmut, Heinrich, Nikolaus |
| USA | January | 26 | Aubrey, Conan, Coner, Conner, Connor, Conor, Gonzalo, Paola, Paula, Paulette, Paulina, Pauline |
 Hungary | January | 28 | Karola, Károly |
 Spain | January | 28 | Pedro Nolasco, Tomas |
 Latvia | February | 2 | Spidola, Spidols |
 Italy | February | 9 | Girolamo Emiliani |
| Austria | February | 10 | Scholastika, Siegmar |
 Croatia | February | 10 | Alojzije, Skolastika |
 Denmark | February | 10 | Scholastica |
 Poland | February | 10 | Elwira, Gabriel, Jacek, Jacenty, Scholastyka, Tomisława |
| Spain | February | 10 | Amancio, Arnaldo, Arnau, Ecolástica, Guillermo |
| Latvia | February | 15 | Aloizs, Alvils, Olafs, Olavs, Ulafs |
 Romania | March | 2 | Nicolae, Teodot |
| Poland | March | 3 | Asteriusz, Hieronim, Kunegunda, Lucjola, Maryna, Wierzchosława |
| Austria | March | 6 | Fridolin, Nicola, Rosa |
| Spain | March | 21 | Clemencia, Fabiola, Nicolás |
| Italy | March | 22 | Nicola di Flue |
| Spain | March | 24 | Delmiro, Edelmira, Edelmiro, Timolao |
| Poland | March | 25 | Dyzma, Ireneusz, Lucja, Lutomysł, Maria, Mariola, Wieńczysław, Łucja |
| Italy | April | 2 | Francesco da Paola |
| Latvia | April | 21 | Anastasija, Margers, Margonis, Nilola |
 Norway | April | 24 | Albert, Olaug |
| Austria | May | 3 | Jakob, Philipp, Viola |
| Poland | May | 3 | Aleksander, Antonina, Maria, Mariola, Świętosława |
| USA | May | 3 | Joletta, Trey, Troy, Viola, Violet, Violetta, Yolanda |
| Latvia | May | 4 | Flora, Florians, Viola, Vizbulite |
 Lithuania | May | 8 | Audrius, Dziugas, Mykolas |
| Romania | May | 9 | Isaia, Nicolae |
 Slovakia | May | 9 | Roland |
 France | May | 10 | Solange |
| Spain | May | 10 | Gordiano, Job, Solange |
| France | May | 13 | Maël, Orlane, Rolande |
| Hungary | May | 13 | Imola, Szervác |
| Croatia | May | 16 | Andrija Bobola, Ivan Nepomuk, Nenad |
| Slovakia | May | 18 | Viola |
 Sweden | May | 20 | Carola, Karolina |
 Czechia | May | 25 | Viola |
| Latvia | May | 30 | Kredo, Lola, Lolita, Vitolds |
| Lithuania | June | 2 | Aukse, Azuolas, Erazmas, Eugenijus |
 Estonia | June | 3 | Jolanta, Kanni, Kannike, Viola |
 Finland | June | 3 | Orvokki, Viola |
| Czechia | June | 14 | Roland |
| Hungary | June | 15 | Jolán, Vid |
| Poland | June | 15 | Abraham, Angelina, Bernard, Jolanta, Leona, Leonida, Nikifor, Wit, Witold, Witolda, Witosław, Witołd, Wodzisław |
| Estonia | June | 20 | Kaari, Karlotte, Karola, Karoliine, Karolin, Lota |
| Spain | June | 29 | Ciro, David, Pablo, Paola, Pedro, Siro |
| USA | July | 3 | Anatol, Anatola, Lindsay, Lindsey, Lyndsey |
| France | July | 11 | Benoit, Olga, Yolande |
| Austria | July | 14 | Goswin, Kamilus, Roland |
| Hungary | July | 15 | Henrik, Roland, Örkény |
| Romania | July | 26 | Ermolae, Ioanichie |
| Austria | July | 29 | Ladislaus, Martha, Olaf |
| Estonia | July | 29 | Olaf, Olav, Olavi, Olev |
| Finland | July | 29 | Olavi, Olli, Oula, Uolevi, Uoti |
 Germany | July | 29 | Olaf |
| Poland | July | 29 | Beatrice, Beatrycze, Beatryks, Cierpisław, Faustyn, Konstantyn, Lucylla, Maria, Marta, Olaf, Serafina, Urban |
| Spain | July | 29 | Marta, Olavo |
| USA | July | 29 | Bea, Beatrice, Beatriz, Beattie, Marta, Martha, Olaf, Serafina, Trixie |
| Estonia | July | 30 | Kerman, Kermo, Roland |
| Italy | July | 31 | Ignazio di Loyola |
| Spain | July | 31 | Ignacio de Loyola |
| Lithuania | August | 9 | Mintartas, Rolandas, Romanas, Tarvile |
| Poland | August | 9 | Jan, Klarysa, Miłorad, Roland, Roman, Romuald |
| Sweden | August | 9 | Roland |
| Italy | August | 12 | Ercolano |
| Slovakia | August | 29 | Nikola, Nikolaj |
| Latvia | August | 30 | Alija, Alvis, Jolanta |
| Croatia | September | 10 | Lijepa, Nikola Tolentino, Pulherija |
| Spain | September | 10 | Nicolás de Tolentino |
| USA | September | 13 | Arlando, Milton, Orlando, Roland, Rolanda, Rolando, Stone, Stoney |
| Czechia | September | 15 | Jolana |
| France | September | 15 | Dolores, Roland |
| Slovakia | September | 15 | Jolana |
| USA | September | 15 | Delora, Delores, Dolores, Lola, Lolita |
| Croatia | September | 25 | Aurelija, Firmin, Kleofa, Nikola of Flue |
| Lithuania | September | 29 | Gabrielius, Michalina, Mykolas, Mykole, Rapolas |
| Italy | September | 30 | Girolamo |
| Latvia | October | 17 | Gaitis, Gaits, Karina, Karola, Vita |
| Latvia | October | 18 | Lukass, Rolands, Ronalds |
| Italy | October | 21 | Orsola |
| Lithuania | October | 24 | Daugailas, Gilbertas, Rapolas, Svitrigaile |
| Sweden | October | 29 | Viola |
| Austria | November | 9 | Herfried, Roland, Theodor |
| USA | November | 12 | Colan, Colin, Colleen, Collin, Cullan, Cullen, Culver, Kiley, Kyla, Kyle, Kylee, Kyleigh, Kyler, Kylier |
| Austria | November | 14 | Nikolaus, Sidonia |
| Croatia | November | 14 | Ivan Trogirski, Nikola Tavelic |
| Czechia | November | 20 | Nikola |
| Hungary | November | 20 | Jolán |
| Latvia | November | 24 | Velta, Viliberts, Viola |
| USA | November | 28 | Nola, Nolan, Nolana, Norton |
| Austria | December | 6 | Denise, Henrike, Nikolaus |
 Bulgaria | December | 6 | Kolyo, Nenka, Niko, Nikola, Nikolai, Nikolay, Nikolina, Nina, Nitza |
| Croatia | December | 6 | Nikola bikup, Nikša |
| Denmark | December | 6 | Nikolaus |
| Estonia | December | 6 | Klaus, Laas, Laus, Nigul, Nigulas, Niilas, Niilo, Nikolai, Nils |
| Finland | December | 6 | Niila, Niilo, Niki, Niklas, Niko, Nikolai, Nikolas |
| France | December | 6 | Nicolas |
 Greece | December | 6 | Nick, Nicolas, Nikolaos, Nikoletta, Nikos |
| Italy | December | 6 | Nicola |
| Latvia | December | 6 | Klavs, Niklavs, Nikolajs |
| Norway | December | 6 | Nikolai, Nils |
| Romania | December | 6 | Nicolae |
| Spain | December | 6 | Nicolás |
| Sweden | December | 6 | Niklas, Nikolaus |
 Ukraine | December | 6 | Nicholas |
| USA | December | 6 | Claus, Ira, Nicholas, Nichole, Nick, Nicklaus, Nickolas, Nico, Nicolas, Nicole, Nicolette, Nikki, Niko, Nikolas |
| Poland | December | 8 | Boguwola, Klement, Maria, Wirginiusz, Światozar |
| Croatia | December | 16 | Florijan, Izak, Jolanda, Lazar |
| Austria | December | 17 | Jolanda, Lazarus, Viviana |
| Lithuania | December | 17 | Drovyde, Jolanta, Mantgailas, Olimpija |
| Poland | December | 17 | Florian, Jolanta, Olimpia, Warwara, Łazarz, Żyrosław |
| Spain | December | 17 | Lázaro, Yolanda |
| Hungary | December | 19 | Viola |
| Estonia | December | 22 | Vambo, Vambola |
| Austria | December | 27 | Fabiola |
| France | December | 27 | Fabiola, Jean |
| Germany | December | 27 | Fabiola |
| Poland | December | 27 | Cezary, Fabia, Fabiola, Jan, Radomysł |
Ola A Global and Versatile Name
In conclusion, Ola is a remarkably adaptable name whose popularity spans continents, from Scandinavian tradition to Slavic endearment and West African prosperity. Its origins are entirely disparate, carrying meanings like 'ancestor’s relic' or 'wealth,' depending on the linguistic root. This diversity results in a flexible gender identity, used for males in Norway but frequently for females in Poland. The name projects a simple, friendly, and approachable mood, reinforcing its widespread acceptance. Celebrated on different days across Nordic countries, Ola is a testament to how simple nomenclature can possess profound global complexity.
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