Livia

♀ Girl

Pronounced LIV-ee-uh /ˈlɪv.i.ə/High

Meaning: Feminine form of the Roman family name Livius, possibly derived from a pre-Latin Oscan root meaning 'blue' or 'leaden color'; also linked to the Latin livor (envy, bruise color) or associated with olivia (olive tree)Medium

In 30 seconds: Livia is a sleek Latin name from the ancient Roman gens Livia, most famously borne by Livia Drusilla, the powerful wife of Emperor Augustus. Its crisp sound and imperial pedigree make it a refined choice.

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Origin HighLatin

MeaningFeminine form of the Roman family name Livius, possibly derived from a pre-Latin Oscan root meaning 'blue' or 'leaden color'; also linked to the Latin livor (envy, bruise color) or associated with olivia (olive tree)

U.S. rank (2025)#820 ↗ Rising

2025 U.S. births332 girls (0.02% of U.S. girls)

Peak year2018

Total births (all-time)≈ 10,235

Popularity in the U.S. · SSA data

U.S. births per year (Social Security Administration, 1880–present). Pink marker = peak year.

History & Origin

Livia is the feminine form of the Roman gens name Livius. The exact etymology is disputed: it may derive from a pre-Latin root meaning 'bluish' or 'lead-colored', or from the Latin livor (envy, a blue-gray color). The most famous bearer in antiquity was Livia Drusilla (58 BC – 29 AD), wife of Augustus Caesar and one of the most influential women of the Roman Empire.

Livia has been used continuously in Italy and other Romance-language countries since antiquity. In the 21st century it entered the English-speaking mainstream as a sleek alternative to Olivia — sharing its ending without the crowding of the charts. It has risen steadily in the U.S. as parents seek elegant yet uncommon classical names.

Did you know? Livia Drusilla, wife of the Emperor Augustus and mother of Emperor Tiberius, was one of the most powerful women in Roman history — and according to Roman historian Tacitus, possibly involved in several political poisonings.

Overall data confidence 80%

Behind the Name — Livia — Latin etymology and Roman historical usageOxford Latin Dictionary — Livius gens name notes

Variations

OliviaLivieLivvy

Nicknames

LivLivvy

Famous Bearers

★Livia Drusilla (58 BC–AD 29)
Roman empress, wife of Augustus Caesar and mother of Emperor Tiberius, one of the most influential women in Roman imperial history.

If you like Livia…

Olivia— sounds similar and shares the Liv- opening; hugely popular classical name

Lydia— same three-syllable classical Roman feminine feel

Celia— fellow elegant three-syllable Latin name from Roman antiquity

Silvia— shares the graceful Latin feminine -ia ending and classical roots

Frequently Asked

What does the name Livia mean?

Livia comes from the Roman family name Livius, possibly meaning bluish or leaden color in pre-Latin, though the exact etymology is disputed.

How do you pronounce Livia?

It is said LIV-ee-uh, with three syllables.

Is Livia related to Olivia?

Livia and Olivia are distinct names but share the Liv- sound; Livia is older and purely Roman, while Olivia comes from the olive tree.

Is Livia a popular name?

Livia is rising in popularity in the U.S. as a sophisticated alternative to Olivia.