Meaning: Its source is a Greek expression meaning "From Mount Olympus."

Languages: This girl's name is used in English and Greek.

Nicknames: Pia

Alternative Spellings: Olimpia

Variant Forms: Olimpiada

Non-English Forms: Olympe

Popularity: The name Olympia ranked 2293rd in popularity for females of all ages in a sample of the 1990 US Census.

Narrative: In Greek mythology, Mount Olympus was considered the home of the gods. The Greek city called Olympia was the original site of the ancient Olympic games.

Wars have interupted the four-year cycle of the modern Olympics, but in ancient times, conflicts were suspended and athletes allowed safe passage through enemy lines whenever the games were held.

Though our modern athletes are certainly held in high regard, ancient Olympic champions were given the highest seats of honor at public gatherings, even higher than those reserved for victorious generals.