Liberty first name popularity, history and meaning

Find out how popular the first name Liberty has been for the last 50 years (from 1975 to 2024) and learn more about the meaning and history.

Meaning of Liberty

A feminine given name meaning "freedom from control or obligation".

Popularity of Liberty by gender

Based on the last 50 years of data, Liberty is more commonly used as a female name, with approximately 100% of people named Liberty being female.

For the most recent data in 2024, there were 263 female babies and 0 male babies born with the name Liberty.

YearMale CountFemale Count
20240263
20230301
20220373
20210477
20200442
20190447
20180531
20176534
20160577
20150561
20140546
20130563
20120490
20110513
20100593
20090585
20080496
20070469
20060552
20050622
20045749
20030578
20026584
20010321
20000192
19990177
19980139
19970102
1996084
19950113
1994068
1993071
1992069
1991657
1990059
1989641
1988044
1987044
19860104
1985037
1984630
1983052
1982543
1981055
1980070
1979064
1978072
1977568
197616321
1975897

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.

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