In France, a small Italian male name saw its births increase from around 155 babies in 2010 to nearly 695 in 2024, according to national statistics. In fourteen years, this leap places this choice in the category of “very common” first names for little boys born in the early 2020s. Surprising when we know that it was, originally, an elite marker in ancient Rome.
This first name is Livio. Built around the Latin name Liviusthis first name was worn within the
people Liviaa family linked to Empress Livia and Emperor Augustus. Behind the explosion of births, a singular trajectory is emerging: an old aristocratic first name that has become a symbol of modern gentleness, halfway between the Italian dolce vita and the TF1 series.
Popularity of the first name Livio: a very clear wave between 2010 and 2024
It is estimated that 155 babies were given the first name Livio in 2010 in France. The curves then rise: around 800 births in 2020, 895 in 2021, a peak close to 930 in 2022, then a slight decline to 855 in 2023 and 695 in 2024. The first name therefore experienced a strong wave, with a peak in the early 2020s, without suddenly disappearing afterwards.
INSEE, which publishes the first name file for the period 1900-2024, specifies that the numbers are rounded to the multiple of 5, which explains the small differences in figures from one site to another. It is estimated that the average age of little Livio is around 12 years, which confirms a lasting installation in classrooms, in the same way as other Italian first names very popular with young parents.
Livio, from imperial Rome to the French civil registry
The aristocratic link comes from the Latin name
Livius. Wikipedia recalls that the family of
LiviiOr people Liviagave several important characters, including Livia, wife of the Emperor Augustus. The historian Livy, in Latin Titus Liviusalso bears this name. Giving Livio today is therefore, somewhere, bringing a small piece of imperial Rome into the family record book.
On the meaning side, readings diverge. We can compare Livio to the word “olive”, with all the Mediterranean imagery that goes with it. But the scholarly etymology remains debated, between a possible Etruscan root and Latin lividus. In fact, parents mainly remember the idea of a short, sweet first name that is both noble and easy to wear.
Modern meaning, TF1 effect and Livio-Livia duo
Livio’s success doesn’t just come from the history books. Since 2022, the TF1 series Here it all begins features a character named Livio, played by actor Corentin Pellis. This prime time exhibition arrives precisely at the time when births are at their peak, which fuels the idea of a real cultural spotlight.
In mirror, the female version Livia is taking hold just as strongly, with 815 births in 2024 according to INSEE data. Some families also choose the Livio-Livia duo for twins or brother and sister, seduced by this discreet nod to the same Roman root and by this very soft, very current sound.