Etymology & Historical Origin of the Baby Name Liberty

Liberty is a female name used mainly in the United States and derived from the English vocabulary word denoting the basic human rights to freedom – the freedom to think, act, and speak as one believes without the constraints of force or threat of arbitrary authority. The English borrowed the word from Latin “libertus” meaning “freed man” from the root “liber” meaning “free, unchained, emancipated”. Libertas was an ancient Roman female deity who embodied the ideals of freedom. During the Second Punic War between the Roman Republic and Carthage in the 3rd century B.C., Libertas was raised to the level of goddess and temples were constructed in her honor. She is also personified by the Statue of Liberty, a gift from France, which sits in the New York Harbor. All American school children are taught these famous words uttered by Patrick Henry in March of 1775: “Give me Liberty, or give me Death!” One month later the American colonies were fighting in the Revolutionary War against the British for that precious liberty. Liberty is a concept so vital to the American identity that it’s no surprise some parents have picked it up for their daughters. And even though Libby technically developed as a pet form of Elizabeth, it could also be used as a nickname for Liberty.

All About the Baby Name – Liberty

Personality

OF THE GIRL NAME LIBERTY

The number one personality is a leader - strong and competitive. They are willing to initiate action and take risks. One personalities work hard toward their endeavors and have the ability to apply their creative and innovative thinking skills with strong determination. They believe in their ability to succeed and are too stubborn to be hindered by obstacles. Ones meet obstacles head-on with such mental vigor and energy that you better step aside. They resent taking orders, so don't try telling them what to do either. This is an intensely active personality, but they are also known as starters rather than finishers. They have a propensity to become bored and will move quickly to the next project if not properly challenged.  They are the ones to think up and put into action new and brilliant ideas, but they are not the ones to stick around and manage them. This personality has an enthusiastic and pioneering spirit. They are distinctly original.

Popularity

OF THE GIRL NAME LIBERTY

Liberty has had one of the most historically interesting rides on the American female naming charts that we’ve seen. By and large, this is a name which has mainly been absent from the charts. It appeared once in 1918 and then faded back to obscurity and non-use. Then it appeared again in 1976; again, just for one year and then promptly fell off the charts. Finally, Liberty reemerged for the third time in 2001. This time, she appears to be sticking to the charts. Do we think it’s a coincidence that 1918 happened to be the year marking the end of the First World War also known as the “Great War”? And that 1976 was the year the United States celebrated its Bicentennial? Finally, 2001 was the devastating year when terrorists attacked and felled the World Trade Center killing thousands of Americans. It’s pretty remarkable how Liberty keeps rearing her beautiful name at times when we can’t afford to take her for granted. Some parents like this name for boys – but Liberty, even as a concept is feminized by “Lady Liberty” so you run the risk of having your boy teased on the playground. Liberty is just one of those words universally appreciated in America; so much a part of what we stand for (in theory at least) “…with liberty and justice for all.” You’d be hard pressed to find a name more patriotic than Liberty. A lovely choice for military parents or even politicians. In fact, while president, Gerald Ford and his wife Betty owned a Golden Retriever they named Liberty.

Quick Facts

ON LIBERTY

GENDER:

Girl

ORIGIN:

English

NUMBER OF SYLLABLES:

3

RANKING POPULARITY:

532

PRONUNCIATION:

LIB-er-tee

SIMPLE MEANING:

Free, unchained, emancipated

Characteristics

OF LIBERTY

Independent

Individualistic

Ambitious

Strong-willed

Inventive

Successful

Cultural References to the Baby Name – Liberty

Literary Characters

OF THE BABY NAME LIBERTY

We cannot find any significant literary characters by the name of Liberty

Childrens Books

ON THE BABY NAME LIBERTY

We cannot find any childrens books with the first name Liberty


Popular Songs

ON LIBERTY

We cannot find any popular or well-known songs with the name of Liberty


Famous People

NAMED LIBERTY

We cannot find any celebrities or significantly famous people with the first name Liberty.

Children of Famous People

NAMED LIBERTY

We cannot find any children of famous people with the first name Liberty

Historic Figures

WITH THE NAME LIBERTY

We cannot find any historically significant people with the first name Liberty