A 1970s favorite, climbing again.
Popularity of Liza since 1880
Babies named Liza per year in U.S. Social Security records.
Data table (by decade)
| Decade | Girls |
|---|---|
| 1880s | 223 |
| 1890s | 271 |
| 1900s | 225 |
| 1910s | 347 |
| 1920s | 306 |
| 1930s | 229 |
| 1940s | 299 |
| 1950s | 763 |
| 1960s | 2,694 |
| 1970s | 4,263 |
| 1980s | 3,082 |
| 1990s | 1,803 |
| 2000s | 1,245 |
| 2010s | 1,154 |
| 2020s | 737 |
Meaning & origin
Liza, a name of Hebrew origin meaning 'God is my oath,' began its recorded use in 1880 and has seen fluctuating popularity. In 2025, it ranked 1643, with about 1 in 12,756 newborn girls receiving the name. Its peak year was 1973, likely influenced by cultural figures. Since 2007, Liza has been rising in popularity, recovering from a period of decline. The name is most commonly found in the Southern states, with Mississippi, Kentucky, and Tennessee among the top states for Liza. This revival suggests a renewed appreciation for this classic diminutive, which maintains its appeal as a concise yet full-form alternative to Elizabeth.
Liza originated as a diminutive of Elizabeth, deriving from the Hebrew name Elisheva (God is my oath). It became an independent given name in the 19th century, particularly in English-speaking countries. The name gained mid-20th-century popularity, partly due to the fame of actress Liza Minnelli.
Where Liza 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.
“Liza” around the world
Where Liza lands in the latest official birth statistics abroad, matched to the U.S. spelling.
France
35
babies in 2024
Sources: INSEE (France).
Nicknames & variants
Nicknames: Lee, Liz, Za
Sibling names for Liza
Names that share Liza's style, for a brother or sister.
