Liam is a popular given name of Irish origin. It means "strong-willed warrior" or "resolute protection". The name is derived from the Old Irish name "Lugaidh", which consists of the elements "lú" meaning "heavy" and "aid" meaning "helper".
The name Liam has been used in Ireland for centuries, but it gained popularity worldwide during the 20th century. In English-speaking countries like the United States and the United Kingdom, Liam became a top choice for baby boys by the late 1990s.
One notable figure with the name Liam is Liam Neeson, the renowned Irish actor known for his roles in films such as "Schindler's List" and "Taken". However, it is not clear whether he was named after the name's meaning or simply because it was a popular choice among his family members at the time.
Overall, Liam is a strong and appealing given name with an ancient heritage that continues to be favored by parents around the world today. Its meaning adds an attractive layer of depth to the name, suggesting courage and resilience.
The name Liam has seen a significant increase in popularity over the past two decades in the United States. In 1995, there were only 7 births with the name Liam. However, by 2003, this number had more than doubled to 17 births.
From 2003 onwards, the popularity of the name Liam continued to grow steadily. Between 2009 and 2014, the number of annual births with the name Liam consistently remained above 20. The peak of this trend was reached in 2017, with a total of 38 births.
Despite a slight decrease in popularity in recent years, with 26 births in 2022 and 30 births in 2023, the name Liam remains one of the most popular boys' names in the United States. Overall, from 1995 to 2023, there have been a total of 485 births with the name Liam in the United States.
This data highlights the changing trends in baby naming and demonstrates how quickly a name can gain popularity over time. It also shows that while some names may fall out of fashion for a period, they can experience a resurgence in popularity years later.