← All names

Liv

Girl name · 50 babies recorded · 1974–2025

Liv: 50 babies born in Scotland since 1974, given to girls, peaking at 6 births in 2020.

A short, crisp name with Scandinavian flair, Liv has two distinct roots that blend into one appealing identity. Most often considered a modern shortening of Olivia, it also stands on its own from the Old Norse *hlíf*, meaning "protection" or "shelter." For many, Liv Ullmann, the acclaimed Norwegian actress and muse of Ingmar Bergman, remains the defining bearer, while Liv Tyler brought the name to Hollywood blockbusters. Though no major place shares exactly this name, the same Old Norse root appears in many Scottish place names like Liff, near Dundee. In Scotland today, Liv is popular as a standalone choice—clean, confident, and far from frilly.