Liv

girlOld Norse

Liv is an girl name of Old Norse origin, meaning “Protection; heard as 'life'”.

MeaningProtection; heard as 'life'
GenderGirl
OriginOld Norse
PronunciationLEEV
TraditionModern & Classic
Used inNorway, Sweden, Denmark, Worldwide

Meaning and origin of Liv

Liv comes from Old Norse Hlíf, meaning 'protection, defence'. In modern Norwegian, Swedish and Danish it is identical to the word liv 'life', and that is the meaning most parents now have in mind. It became widely known through the actress Liv Ullmann and later Liv Tyler. Its short, bright sound has made it popular well beyond Scandinavia.

Is Liv a religious name?

Liv is a secular Scandinavian name with no religious background.

How popular is Liv?

Popular in Scandinavia and increasingly used in English-speaking countries.

Gifts with the name Liv

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Spellings and variants of Liv

HlífLivia

Names similar to Liv

More girl names

Frequently asked questions

What does the name Liv mean?

Liv means 'Protection; heard as 'life''. It is of Old Norse origin.

Does Liv have a religious meaning?

Liv is a secular Scandinavian name with no religious background.

How do you pronounce Liv?

Liv is pronounced LEEV.

Is Liv a boy or girl name?

Liv is usually a girl name.

Updated October 2026. Spotted a mistake? Tell us.