Sophia Girl
soh-FEE-uh
“wisdom” · Greek
#5
Libby
GirlEnglish, Hebrew· “God is my oath”
- Meaning
- God is my oath
- Origin
- English, Hebrew
- Pronunciation
- LIH-bee
- Syllables
- 2
- US rank 2025
- #1,146
- US babies 2025
- 202
- Best rank
- #605 (1934)
- Peak year
- 2009
Meaning and origin of Libby
Libby is an English and Hebrew name that means “God is my oath”.
Libby is a pet form of Elizabeth, which comes from the Hebrew Elisheva, meaning God is my oath. It developed from the middle syllable of the name, much like Lizzie, Betsy and Elsie, and has been used as an independent name in Britain and the United States since at least the nineteenth century. In the Bible, Elisheba is the wife of Aaron, and Elizabeth in the Gospel of Luke is the mother of John the Baptist. Elizabeth Bacon Custer, wife of George Armstrong Custer, was known as Libbie. Libby is also used as a short form of Liberty, a separate name from the Latin libertas, freedom.
Popularity over time
Libby first appears in US Social Security records in 1881. It has ranked in the top 1,000 in 99 different years, starting in 1881. Its best national rank was #605 in 1934, and the most babies received it in 2009, when 355 were named Libby. In 2025, 202 babies were named Libby, and it ranked #1,146 nationally. That is 25% fewer than ten years earlier, so it is becoming less common.
Its national rank moved from #794 in 1920, #795 in 1950, #1,170 in 1980, #1,068 in 2000, #793 in 2010, and #1,146 in 2025. Of the 17,966 US girls named Libby since records began, 16% were born in the 2000s, its biggest decade. The 2010s come next, with 2,754 babies. Since 2010, 4,061 more have been named Libby.
Other girls' names that peaked around the same time include Maliah, Shyla, Ireland, Janiah, and Jazlene.
Where it is most popular (2025)
In 2025, Libby ranked highest in New York, Arkansas, and New Jersey.
| State | Rank there | Babies |
|---|---|---|
| New York | #298 | 57 |
| Arkansas | #531 | 6 |
| New Jersey | #813 | 9 |
| South Carolina | #862 | 5 |
| Georgia | #1037 | 9 |
Gender, sound and spelling
In the US it is used almost only for girls.
Libby is usually pronounced LIH-bee, with two syllables. It has five letters, starts with L and ends in “-by”.
Middle names for Libby
A few middle names that flow with Libby: each avoids a matching first letter, a rhyme and a vowel clash where the names meet.
Sibling names for Libby
Similar names
Gabby Girl
GA-bee
“pet form of Gabriella, "God is my strength"” · Hebrew
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SAY-dee
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Evie Girl
EH-vee
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Betty Girl
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Janie Girl
JAY-nee
“pet form of Jane; God is gracious” · English
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Darby Girl
DAR-bee
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Betsy Girl
BET-see
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Shelby Girl
SHEL-bee
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Annie Girl
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“grace, favor” · English
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Lists that include Libby
Frequently asked questions
What does the name Libby mean?
Libby is an English and Hebrew name that means “God is my oath”.
What is the origin of the name Libby?
Libby has English and Hebrew roots. Libby is a pet form of Elizabeth, which comes from the Hebrew Elisheva, meaning God is my oath.
Is Libby a popular name?
Not especially. Libby ranked #1,146 in the US in 2025, which puts it outside the top 1,000.
Is Libby a boy or girl name?
Libby is mainly a girl's name. In the US it is used almost only for girls.
How do you pronounce Libby?
Libby is usually pronounced LIH-bee. Stressed syllables are in capital letters.
Popularity figures come from US Social Security card applications (names given to at least five babies in a year, 1880 to 2025). How we source names and meanings