"The descriptions of this and the following species were written by Mr. Meek before my own were, and now form a part of Mr. Gilbert's report to Lieutenant Wheeler, which is awaiting publication"

Olenellus gilberti was named by White (1874) [Olenellus Gilberti Meek in White 1874]. It is a 3D body fossil. Its type locality is USNM 31a, Log Cabin Mbr, Pioche Hills, which is in a St Davids carbonate limestone/mudstone in the Pioche Shale Formation of Nevada.

It was recombined as Mesonacis gilberti by Walcott (1916); it was recombined as Olenellus (Olenellus) gilberti by Palmer (1998).