This is a Message Board Post that is gatewayed to this mailing list. Author: fsu781 Surnames: Classification: queries Message Board URL: http://boards.rootsweb.com/surnames.oliver/4859.1/mb.ashx Message Board Post: Other derivations that I have heard suggested for the name Oliver are: Olivier (of French origins) and Olaf (of Scandinavian origins). Not sure how the French would tie into the British Isles, but I know that at some point, the Scandinavians (Norway, Sweden and Denmark) invaded the British Isles and intermarried with people there. While I cannot trace my Olivers back into those areas yet, I am pretty sure that my family was at least from somewhere in the British Isles (probably England somewhere). Also, there is a condition of the hand known as Dupuytren's Contracture which was once known as Viking's Disease. It involves the formation of nodules under the skin in the palm of the hand. These nodules can progress to the point that it will draw down the fingers (usually the ring finger and the "pinkie") toward the palm and may require surgery to correct. My father had this condition some years ago and now I appear to be developing it as well. While the evidence is not certain proof, it does suggest that there may be something to this Viking connection theory and possibly the Oliver line. I would be interested in hearing if there are other Olivers with this hand condition and where their family origins lie. Phyllis (Oliver) Abbott Acworth, GA Important Note: The author of this message may not be subscribed to this list. If you would like to reply to them, please click on the Message Board URL link above and respond on the board.