In Irish, Ollam or Ollamh (anglicised as Ollave or Ollav), is a master in a particular trade or skill. In early Irish Literature, it generally refers to the highest rank of Fili; it could also modify other terms to refer to the highest member of any group: thus an ollam brithem would be the highest rank of judge and an ollam rí would be the highest rank of king. In modern Irish, it has come to mean "professor".
There was an official post in ancient Ireland called the "Rí Ollam" or "Ard Ollam" or Chief Ollam of Ireland. The holder of the post had a standing equal to the High King of Ireland.
Ollamh Fodhla, meaning "great teacher," was used to designate various prominent men throughout history.