Liv, Olivia, Olive or Livina

StellaHarmony

My husband and I have been struggling with what to name our baby girl (we are 7 months pregnant). We love the name "Liv" and I really love the meaning "Protector/ Life" and that it's Scandinavian in origin. We've debate with naming her "Olivia", "Olive" or "Livina", but we know how popular "Olivia" is and we're not as huge fans of "Olive" or "Livina", and we really want to call her "Liv" or "Livy" anyways. Only reason we would go with "Olivia" or other variations would be to give her more options, and I know we've had to some reactions to "Liv"; saying it was only a nickname.

What do people think? "Liv" as a stand alone name? Do you think she'll get asked all the time what her full name is? Should we go with "Olivia" just to give her more options even though it's really popular? Any advise you can give would be really helpful!

rodiesmum

I think LIV is fine. This is also one of the names im considering. I would have loved olivia but there's bad name assoiciation with that name.

pshaortao

I voted Liv because if that's what you both love, then go for it. I also have a soft spot for Olive since that's what my parents have been calling her since they found out I was pregnant (started off as an inside joke)

Also, I think Livina is really spelled Liviana?

MyleneBoulet

Liv

sasq09

I would like a "full name" option, but I strongly dislike olive and livina. I would go with Olivia despite its popularity just so she has that option when she's older.

Kitty Holland

I'd go with Olive. I do think Liv seems incomplete as a full first name.

kayleenicole2014

Olive is lovely!

parenthood4

I voted Olivia. I know it's popular, but it's such a beautiful name, and Liv is a great nickname for it. Liv as it's own first name doesn't sound complete to me

DaisyZH

I like Liv since you like the meaning and origin.

femmepink

I immediately liked Olive best when going over your poll options. But after reading through your post (I know I should've before I voted) I really like Liv, too! Pretty name.

ashiscute

I voted Liv because if that's what you like.  I love Olivia though.  I do not see any appeal to Olive or Livina.  

Lottie&Paul

I think Olivia might be best in the long run. She could go by Liv or Livy (which is adorable!), but she could also use Olive as a nn if she wanted something funkier. And then Olivia seems more professional as she gets older.

MarxieVonTrapp

Count me in on the Livia group.  Awesome, awesome name.

526SadieSadie

As the momma of an Olivia, I voted for that one.  Liv doesn't sound complete as a standalone name to me.

I suggested Livia to DH but he vetoed it because he said most people would think we were saying Olivia either way.

capulet

Another vote for Livia.

Beevol

Liv is a totally legitimate, stand alone name - Liv Tyler for example is just Liv and not Olivia or anything.  

FakeFinn

If Liv is the name you love, you should go with that. Liv is lovely and works as a stand alone name.

LolaBelle515

I picked Liv, which I think is a lovely name. However, you mentioned the Scandinavian origin, so I'm assuming you're pronouncing it a certain way. The "Liv"s that I know who are seeking the Scandinavian connection pronounce the name Leev...which is a great stand alone name and not a nickname at all. 

If you plan to pronounce it as "she will live in our home"...then I would probably do Olivia and call her Liv, which is a great nickname.

In the end, it wouldn't be a deal breaker for me either way and I wouldn't think it was weird!  Good luck!

StellaHarmony

Thank you everyone for all your responses! This really helps getting people's opinions! 

4N6s

When I see Liv all I think about is live. Just seems odd to me.

StellaHarmony

Thank you everyone! We have a long last name that is a variation of "Harmonies" It's pronounced "Harmonies", but spelled funky because the name has a Belgian origin. Do you think it sounds too funky to do a name that would be pronounced "Liv Harmonies" or "Liv Claire Harmonies"? 

Ballerina0917

I personally think that if you are planning on calling her Liv from the beginning, it really doesn't matter how popular Olivia is. It's a beautiful name. I think when parents are proactively choosing nicknames for a baby, it's nice for the child to have options later on. Liv is super chic but who knows, maybe she'd want to go by her full name later on in life!