Girl · 933rd of 35,406
Libby
Meaning, origin and U.S. popularity at a glance
17,765
Total Births
145
Years of Data
2009
Peak Popularity Year
355
Peak Births
Generational story
Where Libby stands across generations
Rankings for U.S. births from 2013 to 2024.
Based on the most recent three-year movement in the national data.
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Meaning, origin & U.S. popularity
Summary
Libby is derived from the Hebrew name Elisheba, meaning 'God is my oath.' It evolved through Elizabeth in English and is seen as a diminutive form. The name has a friendly and approachable image and gained popularity in the 20th century. It does not have a direct biblical context but is linked through its roots in the name Elizabeth. Variants include Liz, Lizzy, and Beth.
Etymology & cultural background Open the full meaning, origin, history, and variants
Etymology & Cultural Background
Pronunciation
/ˈlɪbi/
Origin
Hebrew
Etymology
Libby is often considered a diminutive form of Elizabeth, which comes from the Hebrew name Elisheba, meaning 'God is my oath.'
Meaning
God is my oath
Language Evolution
Elisheba (Hebrew), Elizabeth (English), Libby (English)
Historical Usage
Libby gained popularity in the 20th century as a familiar form of Elizabeth, particularly in English-speaking countries.
Variants & Derivatives
Liz, Lizzy, Beth, Liza
Modern Popularity & Image
Libby is viewed as a friendly and approachable name, often associated with warmth and cheerfulness.
Famous People
Libby Clegg - Scottish Paralympic athlete, Libby Lane - first female bishop in the Church of England, Libby Gill - American author and speaker
Trend Analysis
Girl Name Trend
Recent 3-Year Analysis
3-Year Trend:
Rising
25-Year Trend:
Relatively Stable
Boy Name Trend
Recent 3-Year Analysis
3-Year Trend:
Stable
25-Year Trend:
Relatively Stable
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Key Insights
Popularity Trend
Less Common name with 355 peak births in 2009
Geographic Spread
Popular across 41 US states, with strongest presence in New York
Historical Span
Data spanning 145 years from 1880 to 2024, showing long-term trends
Generational Impact
Influenced 8 different American generations with varying popularity
Alternative spellings & similar sounds
Compare 19 names that share a similar pronunciation but use different spellings.
Historical Birth Statistics
Note: Years with identical rankings may represent different numbers of births. Data is sourced from Social Security card applications for births in the United States.
Yearly Ranking History
Full popularity table across American generations 8 generation and gender records
Popularity Across American Generations
| Generation | Gender | Rank | Recorded births |
|---|---|---|---|
| Baby Boomers (1946-1964) | Boy | 7552nd of 7552 | 5 |
| G.I. Generation (1901-1927) | Girl | 763rd of 9107 | 1,622 |
| Silent Generation (1928-1945) | Girl | 745th of 9204 | 1,690 |
| Baby Boomers (1946-1964) | Girl | 723rd of 12526 | 3,430 |
| Generation X (Gen X) (1965-1980) | Girl | 964th of 19264 | 2,115 |
| Millennials (Gen Y) (1981-1996) | Girl | 1514th of 27321 | 1,527 |
| Generation Z (Gen Z or Zoomers) (1997-2012) | Girl | 933rd of 35406 | 4,229 |
| Generation Alpha (2013-2024) | Girl | 1064th of 30306 | 2,948 |