Originally it was called Tapera, but due to its geographical aspect a Pernambuco missionary changed the toponym to Nova Olinda.

District created with the name Nova Olinda ex-village, by decree nº 1256, of 04–121933, subordinated to the municipality of Santana do Cariri.

In administrative division referring to the year 1933, the district of Nova Olinda appears in the municipality of Santana do Cariri.

In territorial division dated 1-VII-1950, the district of Nova Olinda, appears in the municipality of Santanópole ex-Santana do Cariri.

Elevated to the category of municipality with the name of Nova Olinda, by state law nº 3555, of 03–14–1957, dismembered from Santana do Cariri.