Ligeia
A girl's name of Greek origin with 5 recorded U.S. births.
Meaning & Origin
Among U.S. girl's names, Ligeia is not in the current national top 1,000. In fact, it is among the rarest names in the SSA dataset — a choice that signals bold individuality.
With records spanning 1974 to 1974, Ligeia has a focused history that reflects a particular moment in naming culture rather than a centuries-old tradition.
Ligeia is not in the current top 1,000 girl names nationally, making it an uncommon choice — though your state or community may differ.
Ligeia is a girl's baby name of Greek origin, meaning 'clear-voiced' or 'shrill-voiced,' from ligys (clear, melodious). In Greek mythology, Ligeia was a Siren whose voice enchanted sailors. Edgar Allan Poe immortalized the name in his gothic tale Ligeia, making it a name with both classical and literary dark-romantic credentials.
EtymologyShow more
Names travel. They cross oceans, change spelling, shift pronunciation, and accumulate new associations with each culture that adopts them. Ligeia is rooted in the Greek tradition, but its presence in American naming since 1974 means it has been shaped by English phonetics, local customs, and the cultural context of the families who chose it.
Ligeia’s rarity (5 recorded births) may indicate it is strongly tied to a specific cultural community or family tradition, rather than part of the broader American naming mainstream.
At a Glance
Popularity Over Time
Ligeia has 1+ years of history in the U.S., first appearing in 1974.
Popularity by Decade
| Decade | Births | Trend |
|---|---|---|
| 1970s | 5 | — |
The Story of Ligeia
A Gen X name
Peaking in 1974, Ligeia is a Gen X staple. Girls named Ligeia are most likely born between 1974 and 1974.
How rare is Ligeia?
With fewer than 500 recorded births, Ligeia is an exceptionally rare name — a one-of-a-kind choice.
The journey through the decades
First appeared in the records in 1974, peaked in the 1970s with 5 births that decade.
Year-by-Year Data
View complete yearly data(1 years, 1974–1974)
| Year | Births | Rank |
|---|---|---|
| 1974 | 5 | #9553 |
Source: U.S. Social Security Administration. Showing years with 5+ recorded births.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Ligeia a boy's or girl's name?
When was Ligeia most popular?
How popular is the name Ligeia?
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Data source: U.S. Social Security Administration, 1974–1974