Rising since 2022.
Popularity of Ligia since 1918
Babies named Ligia per year in U.S. Social Security records.
Data table (by decade)
| Decade | Girls |
|---|---|
| 1910s | 5 |
| 1920s | 17 |
| 1930s | 0 |
| 1940s | 16 |
| 1950s | 12 |
| 1960s | 82 |
| 1970s | 128 |
| 1980s | 185 |
| 1990s | 142 |
| 2000s | 87 |
| 2010s | 22 |
| 2020s | 6 |
Meaning & origin
Ligia is a rare feminine name with a long but quiet presence in the United States. First recorded in 1918, it saw its peak usage in 1986, but has never entered widespread popularity. In recent years, the name has been on a rising trajectory since 2022, suggesting a modest revival. Its exact origin is uncertain; it may be a variant of Lydia or derive from the Greek word for 'clear-voiced'. Despite its obscurity, Ligia carries a melodic, international feel, common in Portuguese and Spanish-speaking communities.
Ligia is most often considered a variant of Lydia, the name of a historical region in Asia Minor. Alternatively, it may derive from the Greek word 'ligys' meaning 'clear-voiced' or 'sweet'. The name has been used in Italy, Portugal, and Spanish-speaking countries, often associated with the nymph Leucothea in Greek mythology, though this connection is debated.
Nicknames & variants
Variants: Lydia, Lídia
Sibling names for Ligia
Names that share Ligia's style, for a brother or sister.
