Olivia Isabel Rodrigo was born at the Rancho Springs Medical Center in Murrieta, California, to Jennifer, a school teacher, and Chris, a family therapist.

Rodrigo's parents signed her up for vocal lessons with Jennifer Dustman, who would begin to enroll Rodrigo in various local singing competitions.

Rodrigo began taking piano lessons, initially disliking them but later appreciating how they helped with her songwriting.

Rodrigo first became interested in songwriting after listening to country music songs by Taylor Swift and started playing guitar.