Emma Girl
EH-muh
“whole, universal” · Germanic
#3
Liv
GirlScandinavian, Old Norse· “protection; also life”
- Meaning
- protection; also life
- Origin
- Scandinavian, Old Norse
- Pronunciation
- LIHV
- Syllables
- 1
- US rank 2025
- #896
- US babies 2025
- 296
- Best rank
- #666 (2020)
- Peak year
- 2017
Meaning and origin of Liv
Liv is a Scandinavian and Old Norse name that is usually said to mean “protection; also life”.
Liv is a Scandinavian name from the Old Norse hlif, meaning protection or defense. Because liv is also the modern Norwegian, Swedish and Danish word for life, most people now associate the name with life, and the two meanings sit side by side. Norwegian actress Liv Ullmann made the name internationally known, and actress Liv Tyler brought it further attention. In English-speaking countries Liv is also used as a nickname for Olivia. It is one of the shortest names available, clear and bright, and it pairs easily with longer middle names.
Popularity over time
Liv first appears in US Social Security records in 1956. It has ranked in the top 1,000 in 14 different years, starting in 2011. Its best national rank was #666 in 2020, and the most babies received it in 2017, when 437 were named Liv. In 2025, 296 babies were named Liv, and it ranked #896 nationally. That is 25% fewer than ten years earlier, so it is becoming less common.
Its national rank moved from #5,747 in 1980, #3,627 in 2000, #1,238 in 2010, and #896 in 2025. Of the 6,901 US girls named Liv since records began, 50% were born in the 2010s, its biggest decade. The 2020s come next, with 2,267 babies.
Other girls' names that peaked around the same time include Joelle, Kenna, Livia, Keyla, and Kenia.
Where it is most popular (2025)
In 2025, Liv ranked highest in Utah, Connecticut, and Florida.
| State | Rank there | Babies |
|---|---|---|
| Utah | #429 | 10 |
| Connecticut | #518 | 6 |
| Florida | #642 | 27 |
| New York | #647 | 26 |
| Washington | #655 | 10 |
Gender, sound and spelling
In the US it is used almost only for girls.
Liv is usually pronounced LIHV, with one syllable. It has three letters, starts with L and ends in “-iv”.
Middle names for Liv
A few middle names that flow with Liv: each avoids a matching first letter, a rhyme and a vowel clash where the names meet.
Sibling names for Liv
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Lists that include Liv
Frequently asked questions
What does the name Liv mean?
Liv is a Scandinavian and Old Norse name that is usually said to mean “protection; also life”.
What is the origin of the name Liv?
Liv has Scandinavian and Old Norse roots. Liv is a Scandinavian name from the Old Norse hlif, meaning protection or defense.
Is Liv a popular name?
Yes. Liv ranked #896 in the US in 2025, which makes it in the top 1,000.
Is Liv a boy or girl name?
Liv is mainly a girl's name. In the US it is used almost only for girls.
How do you pronounce Liv?
Liv is usually pronounced LIHV. 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