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Original poster

Liv or Alma?

49 replies

Newmamma10 · 25/10/2023 22:52

Trying to decide between Liv or Alma for my baby girl. The name should work in Swedish, Dutch and English - open to other suggestions!

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babysharkdoodoodedoodedoo · 25/10/2023 22:54

Oooh I love both! They were both on my list for my first. They feel strong and gentle and a bit uncommon. They have a bit of a wholesome countryside vibe (in a good way). Liv’s only downside is that a lot of people don’t know it’s a stand-alone name and think it’s just a nickname for Olivia, which would annoy me. Which sounds best with your surname?

KayEmAy · 25/10/2023 23:08

Liv <3

It's short, spunky and still pretty!

Elisanna · 25/10/2023 23:30

Sorry, they are not so nice for a little baby, too short..can I suggest..
Bronwyn
Brontë
Clementine
Christiana
or if you like short names..
Romy
Ellis
Izaro or Gaia..best of luck.x

975zyx · 25/10/2023 23:33

They’re both great, but I have a soft spot for Liv.

miniaturepixieonacid · 25/10/2023 23:37

I can't move past old lady connotations on Alma. I've never met a young one. I also just don't think it's that pleasant.

Liv I like as a shortening of Livia or Olivia but don't like it as a standalone name.

I'm not sure what works in Swedish of Dutch but how about:

Alba, Aphra, Astrid, Aria, Alya, Arta, Asha, Amaya
Lila, Lina, Layla, Lyla, Lyra, Leona, Lia, Laya

PurpleChrayne · 25/10/2023 23:40

Alma!

Liv is just a random sound.

MaloneMeadow · 26/10/2023 00:36

Liv is nice but it’s not a proper name, it’s a nickname. Almost every Olivia I’ve even known goes by Livvy or Liv.

Alma is alright but still not great. Interestingly enough one of DD’s friends is also from Dutch/Swedish/English heritage, her name is Ellie!

user1477391263 · 26/10/2023 03:32

Not crazy about either. “Liv” sounds like a nickname for Olivia, and Alma is a terribly dumpy sort of name to my ears. Would Linnea work?

Scottyme · 26/10/2023 03:39

Neither how about Esther or Jodie

LaurieStrode · 26/10/2023 04:32

Astrid is pretty.

My boss just named her kid Liv.

Sugarfree23 · 26/10/2023 04:50

Alma, Liv just looks wrong, like half a word, Live. Never heard of either.

Sugarfree23 · 26/10/2023 04:54

miniaturepixieonacid · 25/10/2023 23:37

I can't move past old lady connotations on Alma. I've never met a young one. I also just don't think it's that pleasant.

Liv I like as a shortening of Livia or Olivia but don't like it as a standalone name.

I'm not sure what works in Swedish of Dutch but how about:

Alba, Aphra, Astrid, Aria, Alya, Arta, Asha, Amaya
Lila, Lina, Layla, Lyla, Lyra, Leona, Lia, Laya

Alba comes up a lot on baby name threads what language is it an name?

It's also the Gaelic name for Scotland, so used for various things BBC Alba, the Alba political party and various businesses use it in their name.

yikesanotherbooboo · 26/10/2023 07:13

I like Liv and think of Ullmann. In the UK most will assume it is a diminutive for Olivia if that matters to you.
I'm not sure what I think about Alma but it has lots to offer; easy to pronounce and spell, known name, non fussy , current vibe, fits your cultural requirements etc

PumpkinsAndCoconuts · 26/10/2023 10:40

I adore Alma. It’s gorgeous!

Liv is also quite nice.

PumpkinsAndCoconuts · 26/10/2023 10:48

Sugarfree23 · 26/10/2023 04:54

Alba comes up a lot on baby name threads what language is it an name?

It's also the Gaelic name for Scotland, so used for various things BBC Alba, the Alba political party and various businesses use it in their name.

Show quote history

It is a popular name in Spain.

it means sunrise/dawn in Italian (also in Spanish IIRC).

LilyLemonade · 26/10/2023 10:59

I like both, prefer Liv (though it will most likely be lengthened to Livvy in the UK).

What about Ellen, Noa, Alice?

toastofthetown · 26/10/2023 11:02

Liv is name in its own right. It’s has a totally different etymology to Olivia. That said, I prefer Alma. It has a fun sound to it and will probably be pronounced more similarly across the three languages.

DandelionPockets · 26/10/2023 11:15

Alma is lovely

Sugarfree23 · 26/10/2023 14:43

While I don't like how Liv looks how is it pronounced?
Like, Olivia & Liverpool or live as in live cables

theduchessofspork · 26/10/2023 14:45

Liv is fabulous

Alma is awful (depressed middle aged barmaid vibes). Alba is alright.

theduchessofspork · 26/10/2023 14:48

MaloneMeadow · 26/10/2023 00:36

Liv is nice but it’s not a proper name, it’s a nickname. Almost every Olivia I’ve even known goes by Livvy or Liv.

Alma is alright but still not great. Interestingly enough one of DD’s friends is also from Dutch/Swedish/English heritage, her name is Ellie!

It’s a Scandinavian name, it means life. It’s said more like Leev in Swedish, but in the UK you’d just say Liv. It does get used here.

AutumnOcean · 26/10/2023 14:51

Love both but slightly prefer Liv.

Sconehenge · 26/10/2023 14:55

Alma is lovely! I don’t get old lady vibes at all.

LambMomo · 26/10/2023 15:33

Dislike Alma, drab and frumpy. Liv is nice.

Vinvertebrate · 26/10/2023 15:36

Alma!! Have you read “The History of Love”? That book is the reason why DS would have been Alma if he’d been a girl. <biased>

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