Liza is a popular name of English origin that has been used for centuries. It is a short form of the name Elizabeth, which means "God is my oath" or "consecrated to God". The name Elizabeth has its roots in Hebrew and was borne by several notable figures throughout history, including Saint Elizabeth of Hungary and Queen Elizabeth I of England.
The name Liza gained popularity during the Victorian era in England, when it became a fashionable nickname for girls named Elizabeth. It was also popularized by the character Lizzie Borden, who was accused of murdering her parents with an axe in 1892. Although she was acquitted, the case became a notorious scandal that helped to further popularize the name Liza.
Today, Liza remains a popular name for girls and has been worn by several notable figures throughout history. Some famous Lizas include Liza Minnelli, an American actress and singer, and Liza Soberano, a Filipino-American actress. Despite its origins as a nickname for Elizabeth, Liza has become established as a standalone name in its own right. It is often associated with qualities such as charm, intelligence, and creativity.
The name Liza has had a varied history of popularity in the United States over the past century and a half. Between 1880 and 1900, the number of babies named Liza ranged from a low of 15 births in 1904 to a high of 31 births in 1896. During this time period, the average number of babies named Liza was approximately 23 births per year.
From 1900 to 1950, the popularity of the name Liza continued to fluctuate. The highest number of births was recorded in 1950 with 58 births, while the lowest was 18 births in both 1936 and 1937. During this period, the average number of babies named Liza was around 27 births per year.
Beginning in the late 1950s, there was a significant increase in the popularity of the name Liza. In 1957, there were 98 births, and by 1964, this number had grown to 287 births. This upward trend continued until it peaked at 518 births in 1973.
However, after reaching its peak popularity in the mid-1970s, the name Liza began to decline in usage. From 1976 onwards, the number of babies named Liza gradually decreased each year until it reached a low point of 93 births in 2010. Since then, the popularity of the name has rebounded slightly, with an average of around 120 births per year between 2012 and 2023.
Overall, the total number of babies named Liza in the United States from 1880 to 2023 is estimated to be approximately 17,401. While the popularity of this name has varied greatly over time, it remains a distinctive and memorable choice for parents seeking a unique moniker for their daughters.