Liv
Liv is a girl's name of Norse origin.
Meaning
Protection or life.
Origin and history
Liv is derived from the Old Norse name Hlíf, meaning protection, and is also associated with the modern Scandinavian word for life. While long popular in Nordic countries, it has gained steady traction as an independent modern name in the United States. Its concise and elegant sound gives it a contemporary yet classic appeal.
Popularity in the United States
6,901 babies in the United States have been named Liv since 1880. It ranks #2035 all-time. Among babies born since 2020 it ranks #723.
States where it is most popular
- CA (21.9 %)
- NY (10.5 %)
- TX (9.8 %)
- FL (8.7 %)
- MN (4.7 %)
Trends by decade
| Decade | Births |
|---|---|
| 1880-1890 | 0 |
| 1890-1900 | 0 |
| 1900-1910 | 0 |
| 1910-1920 | 0 |
| 1920-1930 | 0 |
| 1930-1940 | 0 |
| 1940-1950 | 0 |
| 1950-1960 | 10 |
| 1960-1970 | 5 |
| 1970-1980 | 129 |
| 1980-1990 | 73 |
| 1990-2000 | 84 |
| 2000-2010 | 890 |
| 2010-2019 | 3,443 |
| 2020-2029 | 2,267 |
Famous people named Liv
- Liv Tyler: Actress, Model
- Liv Ullmann: Actress, Director
Fun facts
- In Norse mythology, Líf is the name of the woman foretold to survive Ragnarök and help repopulate the world.
- Although often used as a short form for Olivia, Liv has established a distinct identity as an independent given name.