A 1960s favorite, climbing again.
Popularity of Liz since 1930
Babies named Liz per year in U.S. Social Security records.
Data table (by decade)
| Decade | Girls |
|---|---|
| 1930s | 47 |
| 1940s | 311 |
| 1950s | 1,761 |
| 1960s | 3,392 |
| 1970s | 657 |
| 1980s | 611 |
| 1990s | 703 |
| 2000s | 940 |
| 2010s | 786 |
| 2020s | 1,015 |
Meaning & origin
Liz is a short, friendly diminutive of Elizabeth that became an independent given name in the mid-20th century. Its peak popularity came in 1961, and after a period of decline, it has been rising again since 1986. Today Liz is relatively uncommon, ranking 1,258th in 2025, but it has a nostalgic appeal, especially in states like Massachusetts, Connecticut, and Florida where it has historically been favored. The trajectory of the name reflects a broader trend of retro nickname names regaining favor, making Liz a spirited choice with deep biblical roots.
Liz is a traditional diminutive of Elizabeth, which derives from the Hebrew name Elisheva, meaning 'God is my oath' or 'my God is abundance'. Elizabeth appears in the New Testament as the mother of John the Baptist, and the name has been widely used across Christian cultures for centuries. As an independent given name, Liz rose to popularity in the mid-20th century, especially in the United States, and was particularly favored in the 1960s.
Where Liz is most popular
Births per 100,000 girls by state. Press play or drag the slider to watch it move across the decades. The lightest shade means too few recorded births.
“Liz” around the world
Where Liz lands in the latest official birth statistics abroad, matched to the U.S. spelling.
France
25
babies in 2024
Ireland
12
babies in 2025
Sources: INSEE (France) · CSO Ireland (Ireland).
Sibling names for Liz
Names that share Liz's style, for a brother or sister.
