Liv is a name of Scandinavian origin, derived from the Old Norse elements 'hlíf' meaning "protection" and 'björn' meaning "bear". It was originally a male name, but it has been used more commonly as a female name in recent years.
The name Liv first gained popularity in Norway during the late 19th century. It was inspired by the Viking Age heroine Liv, who is mentioned in several Old Norse poems and sagas. According to legend, Liv was a wise and brave woman who accompanied her husband on his voyages and helped him defeat his enemies.
Today, Liv is a popular name throughout Scandinavia, with thousands of babies being named Liv each year. It has also gained international recognition, with celebrities such as Liv Tyler (daughter of Aerosmith frontman Steven Tyler) helping to popularize the name in the United States and other English-speaking countries.
While Liv may have once been considered a masculine name, it is now overwhelmingly associated with females due to its widespread use as a female name. However, some parents still choose Liv as a boy's name, inspired by its strong and protective meaning. Overall, Liv is a unique and powerful name with a rich history that continues to captivate people around the world.
The name Liv has seen a significant increase in popularity over the past few decades in the United States. With only five births recorded in both 1956 and 1958, it was relatively uncommon during that time period. However, things started to change in the late 1970s with a steady increase in births each year until reaching 22 in 1974.
The 1990s marked a turning point for the name Liv, with consistent popularity throughout the decade, ranging from six to seventeen births per year. The new millennium brought about an even more significant rise in its popularity, with over eighty births recorded each year between 2000 and 2006.
Since then, the name Liv has continued to gain traction among parents-to-be across America. Between 2014 and 2023, it has seen a steady increase in popularity, with over three hundred ninety-nine births recorded annually on average. In total, from 1956 to 2023, there have been 6,291 babies named Liv born in the United States. This statistic underscores the growing trend of choosing this name for baby girls across generations.