The term Norwegian Royal Name is composed of two names, Olaf and Olav. Olaf is a Scandinavian name derived from the Old Norse Áleifr, meaning 'ANCESTOR's descendant'. Olav is also a Scandinavian name derived from the Old Norse Óláfr, meaning 'descendant of the ancestors'. Both names have been used by Norwegian royalty throughout history, with Olaf being the most common. Olaf was the name of three kings of Norway, while Olav was the name of two kings of Norway.