Find out how popular the first name Liberty has been for the last 50 years (from 1974 to 2023) and learn more about the meaning and history.

Popularity of Liberty by gender

Based on the last 50 years of data, Liberty is more commonly used as a female name, with approximately 99% of people named Liberty being female.

For the most recent data in 2023, there were 301 female babies and 0 male babies born with the name Liberty.

The history of the first name Liberty

The given name Liberty is derived from the Latin word "libertas," which means "freedom" or "liberty." The name has its origins in ancient Roman culture, where the concept of liberty was deeply revered and celebrated.

Liberty as a personal name gained popularity during the era of the American and French Revolutions in the late 18th century. It became a symbol of the ideals of freedom, democracy, and independence that these revolutionary movements represented. The name was often given to children born during or shortly after these pivotal historical events.

In ancient Roman times, the personification of Liberty was depicted as a goddess, Libertas. She was portrayed as a graceful female figure, often holding a cap or staff, representing the freedom of the Roman people. Her image was frequently featured on Roman coins and seals, symbolizing the importance of liberty in Roman society.

One of the earliest recorded instances of the name Liberty is found in the writings of the Roman historian Livy, who lived from 59 BC to 17 AD. He mentioned a woman named Libertas who was honored for her courage and devotion to the cause of freedom.

Throughout history, several notable individuals have borne the name Liberty. One such individual was Liberty Wertmüller (1726-1817), a Swiss-born American Revolutionary War soldier who fought for the Continental Army and became a respected military leader.

Another prominent figure was Liberty Hyde Bailey (1858-1954), an American horticulturist, botanist, and co-founder of the American Society for Horticultural Science. His work significantly contributed to the advancement of agricultural sciences and the preservation of natural resources.

In the realm of literature, Liberty Broderick (1888-1962) was an American writer and poet known for her works that celebrated the beauty of nature and the human spirit. Her poems often explored themes of freedom, independence, and the pursuit of happiness.

Liberty Valance, a fictional character from the 1962 Western film of the same name, became a cultural icon representing the ideals of justice, honor, and the transition from the era of the Wild West to a more civilized society.

Liberty Ross (born 1978) is a contemporary British model, actress, and entrepreneur who has graced the covers of numerous fashion magazines and has been a prominent figure in the fashion industry for over two decades.

The name Liberty has been a powerful symbol throughout history, representing the human desire for freedom, self-determination, and the pursuit of ideals that uplift the human spirit. Its enduring legacy continues to inspire generations, serving as a reminder of the ongoing struggle for liberty and the unwavering commitment to preserving fundamental human rights.

Data source

The first name data used on this page comes from the Social Security Administration (SSA). They've been collecting data on baby names since 1880.

The history and meaning of the name Liberty was researched and written by our team of onomatology and genealogy experts.

If you have a correction or suggestion to improve the history of Liberty, please contact us.

Reference this page

We spend a lot of resources downloading, cleaning, merging, and formatting the data that is shown on the site.

If you found the data or information on this page useful in your research, please use the tool below to properly cite or reference Name Census as the source. We appreciate your support!