Livia
/LIV-ee-ah/
Livia is a Latin girl's name pronounced /LIV-ee-ah/. An ancient Roman name meaning envious or blue, famously borne by the first empress of Rome.
Meaning of Livia
An ancient Roman name meaning envious or blue, famously borne by the first empress of Rome.
Livia is a Latin feminine name derived from the Roman family name Livius, which likely originates from the word 'livere,' meaning 'to be blue' or 'envious.' It was historically significant in ancient Rome as a prestigious gentilicium (clan name).
- Origin
- Latin
- Pronunciation
- /LIV-ee-ah/
Cultural background
The name is currently popular in Italy, Romania, and Brazil, often chosen as a shorter, classic alternative to Olivia. It maintains an image of sophisticated antiquity due to its association with Roman nobility.
Variations & nicknames
- Lívia
- Liv
- Liviana
- Lilla
- Livie
Famous people named Livia
Well-known namesakes — celebrities, historical figures and characters.
Livia Drusilla
The first Roman Empress and influential wife of Emperor Augustus.
Politics · 58 BC – 29 AD
Livia Soprano
The matriarch of the Soprano family in the HBO series The Sopranos.
Film · 1999–2001
Livia Giuggioli
Italian film producer and environmental activist.
Film · 1990s–present
Livia Millhagen
Prominent Swedish actress of stage and screen.
Film · 1990s–present
Frequently asked about Livia
- What does Livia mean?
- Livia is an ancient Latin name meaning 'blue' or 'envious,' derived from the Roman family name Livius.
- How do you pronounce Livia?
- Livia is pronounced 'LIV-ee-ah,' with the emphasis on the first syllable.
- Is Livia a boy or girl name?
- Livia is a female given name. The masculine counterpart is Livio or Livius.
- Is Livia short for Olivia?
- While Livia can be used as a nickname for Olivia, it is a distinct, standalone name with an older historical origin dating back to ancient Rome.
Love Livia? Get more names like it
We'll email you 5 fresh Latin names each week — free, no spam.
Compare Livia with…
Side-by-side meaning, sound and popularity.
More Latin names
See all Latin names- Aurelia/aw-REEL-ee-ah/
A golden name derived from the Roman family name Aurelius, symbolizing brightness and light.
- Marcellus/mar-SELL-us/
A diminutive of Marcus, this ancient name carries the spirited and courageous essence of the god Mars.
- Octavia/ok-TAY-vee-ah/
A noble Roman family name derived from 'octavus' meaning 'the eighth'.
- Quintina/kwin-TEE-nah/
A rhythmic name meaning fifth, historically given to the fifth child or those born in the fifth month.
- Cassian/KASH-an/
A sophisticated name derived from the Roman family name Cassius.
- Silvanus/sil-VAY-nus/
A name belonging to the Roman god of the forests, representing a deep and peaceful connection to the woods.
- Veritas/VEH-ri-tahs/
A virtuous name that serves as the direct personification of truth.
- Sabina/sah-BEE-nah/
A historic name referring to the ancient Sabine people of central Italy.