Libby

♀ Girl

Pronounced LIB-ee /ˈlɪb.i/High

Meaning: Pledged to God; an English pet form of Elizabeth, from Hebrew Elisheba (my God is an oath)High

In 30 seconds: A sweet English pet form of Elizabeth meaning 'pledged to God.' Long used as a nickname, Libby now stands as an independent given name — breezy, friendly, and enjoying the same vintage revival as Betty and Sadie.

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Origin HighHebrew, English

MeaningPledged to God; an English pet form of Elizabeth, from Hebrew Elisheba (my God is an oath)

U.S. rank (2025)#1146 ↘ Falling

2025 U.S. births202 girls (0.01% of U.S. girls)

Peak year2009

Total births (all-time)≈ 17,962

Popularity in the U.S. · SSA data

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

SSA data updated May 2026. How we source & verify this data.

History & Origin

Libby is an English diminutive of Elizabeth (Hebrew Elisheba: my God is an oath). The path from Elizabeth to Libby is through the Lib- element in the middle of Elizabeth, transformed into a standalone pet form. It has been used since at least the 18th century.

Libby has been used as both a nickname and an independent given name. It is now rising as a standalone name, ranked #1123 for girls in 2024.

Did you know? Libby derives from Elizabeth through an unusual path: the medieval English habit of rhyming nicknames transformed Elspeth into Bess, Betsy, Betty — and separately gave Libby from the -lib- in Elizabeth. It's the same process that made Bill from William.

Overall data confidence 93%

Behind the Name — Libby — etymologyU.S. Social Security Administration — popularity data

Variations

LibiLibbey

Nicknames

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Famous Bearers

★Libby Trickett (1985-)
Australian Olympic gold-medal swimmer
★Libby Riddles (1956-)
first woman to win the Iditarod sled-dog race

If you like Libby…

Betty— classic mid-century Elizabeth nickname enjoying the same vintage revival

Ellie— El- Elizabeth nickname with the same friendly, breezy feel

Eliza— short form of Elizabeth with the same independent standing

Lizzie— another Elizabeth nickname that stands alone

Bella— Italian short form of Isabella with the same vintage-sweet quality

Explore names like Libby

By themeenglish hebrew two-syllable vintage diminutive

By meaningGod / Divine

All themes →All meanings →All origins →

Frequently Asked

What does the name Libby mean?

Libby means 'pledged to God,' as an English pet form of Elizabeth, from Hebrew Elisheba (my God is an oath).

How do you pronounce Libby?

It's said LIB-ee — two syllables, stress on the first.

Is Libby a boy or girl name?

Libby is used as a girls' name.

How popular is Libby?

Libby ranked #1123 for U.S. girls in 2024.