NomOrigine Background

Origin and meaning of the name Livingston

What is the origin of the name Livingston?

The origin of the surname Livingston can be traced back to Scotland. It is derived from the town of Livingston in West Lothian, near Edinburgh. The town was named after a 10th-century Scottish nobleman named Lifingstane (or Liu-fingestan), which meant "lofty stone" in Old Norse. Over time, the name evolved into Livingstone and later became a surname. Famous bearers of the name include the explorer David Livingstone and American politician Robert R. Livingston.

Unlock and discover the hidden secrets of the first name Livingston

Unlock the Secrets of Your First Name Now

For only 3.95 $, you get:

  • Full access for 7 days
  • Unlimited access to all name and surname profiles
  • High-quality Origin Certificate
  • Download: Keep a precious memory with your origins downloadable in PDF format.
  • Unlimited search
  • Ad-Free: Enjoy a smooth and uninterrupted user experience.
  • ✅ 15-Day Money-Back Satisfaction Guarantee!
Unlock the Secrets of Your First Name Now
🎁 Special offer today: 3.95 $ instead of 6.95 $
⏳ This exclusive offer expires in:

✅ 15-Day Money-Back Satisfaction Guarantee!

What our users say

“I discovered fascinating details about my family history. This service is amazing for tracing our roots!” - Jean D.

“This site strengthened our sense of family belonging by uncovering our origins. Highly recommended!” - Marie L.

“The information was detailed and accurate. I learned interesting facts about my ancestors. A must-have!” - Paul S.

✅ Join the 5,000+ people who have already discovered the fascinating history of their last name!

Discover my first name's origin now

Frequently Asked Questions

Question: What will I discover by exploring my last name?
Answer: You will discover the geographical origin, etymology, and unique history of your last name. You can also explore family traditions and historical events connected to it.

Question: How long does it take to access the information?
Answer: Once your payment is confirmed, access is instant. You can start exploring right away.

Question: Are the details about my last name accurate?
Answer: Our data comes from extensive research in reliable archives and historical databases. While we cannot guarantee 100% accuracy, we strive to provide the most complete and precise information possible.

Payment Information

or pay by card

By clicking 'Confirm my payment', you agree to our refund policy, accessible via this link: Refund Policy, as well as our cancellation policy accessible via this link: Cancellation Policy

Learn more about the origin of the name Livingston

The meaning, etymology, and origin of the name Livingston

The name Livingston is of Scottish origin, derived from the place-name Livingstone in West Lothian, Scotland. The name is associated with two distinct families: the Livingstones of Callendar, whose seat was at Callendar Castle near Falkirk, and the Livingstones of Robertland, who originated from Livingston in West Lothian. The name is derived from the Old English elements "hlifing" (loaf) and "stane" (stone), possibly referring to a rock shaped like a loaf of bread or a place where loaves were made. It became popular as a surname among the descendants of William the Lion, King of Scots, who was granted lands in Livingston during his reign in the 12th century. Over time, it evolved as a given name, spreading beyond Scotland due to emigration and becoming established in English-speaking countries.

Character traits associated with the name Livingston

Livingston is often associated with individuals who are adventurous, independent, and ambitious. This name, of Scottish origin, has historical ties to explorers like David Livingstone, suggesting an innate sense of curiosity and a drive for discovery. People named Livingston tend to be resourceful problem-solvers, demonstrating a high level of determination in achieving their goals. They are typically resilient, able to endure challenges with stoicism, while maintaining a strong sense of compassion towards others. Livingstons are often analytical thinkers, preferring to rely on facts and logical reasoning rather than emotions. Their independent nature sometimes leads them to be unconventional in their thinking and actions, making them unique individuals in any social circle.

Popularity of the name Livingston

Livingston is a Scottish surname that has been used as a given name in some regions, particularly in English-speaking countries. The name's popularity varies significantly depending on the specific location and time period. In the United States, for instance, it was a relatively common name during the late 19th and early 20th centuries but saw a decline thereafter. According to recent data, Livingston ranks outside the top 1000 most popular boys' names in the U.S., suggesting its current low usage. However, it remains more popular in Scotland and other countries with Scottish ancestry, where it may hold a higher position in name popularity rankings. The name is associated with figures such as William Livingston, one of the Founding Fathers of the United States, and Livingston Taylor, an American singer-songwriter.

Famous people with the name Livingston

Livingston is a notable name that has been associated with several significant individuals across various fields. One of the most recognized figures is Alan Livingston, an American record executive who served as the president of Decca Records and later became the founder of ABC Records and the creator of Sesame Street's music. In the realm of science, Charles Livingston was a pioneering American meteorologist who made significant contributions to the understanding of weather systems. On the political front, James Livingston Morrison served as the U.S. Ambassador to Norway from 1985 to 1989, and Edward Livingston was an influential American lawyer and politician during the early 19th century who played a role in drafting the Louisiana Purchase Treaty. In sports, Livingston Colt Coyote is a mascot for the NBA's Golden State Warriors. These are just a few examples illustrating the diverse achievements of individuals named Livingston throughout history.

Variations of the name Livingston

Livingston is primarily a surname of Scottish origin, derived from the town of Linlithgow in West Lothian, Scotland. Variations of this surname that may be used as given names include:

1. Livingstone - The most common variation, it was often Anglicized from Livingston by English speakers.
2. Livingstoun - An older spelling of the name.
3. Livingstonne - A more exotic variant, adding an extra "e" to the end.
4. Livinstone - A creative variation with slightly altered spacing.
5. Livenstone - A unique spin where the 'i' and 'v' are swapped.
6. Livinston - Another variation where the 'i' and 'v' are switched.
7. Livingston-Lee - A compound name that adds Lee as a middle name or surname extension.
8. Livingston-Smith - Another compound name with Smith added.
9. Livingstown - A more casual, informal variation that sounds like a small town.

Sources & References

About the author :
NomOrigine Team
NomOrigine Team
Passionate about genealogy, name history, and linguistics, we have been analyzing the origins of names for over 3 years. Our content is based on verified historical, etymological, and statistical data.
Last updated : 24 July 2025

Share the origin and meaning of your name with your friends

Search the origin of a first name

Enter the first name you are looking for below:

Similar First Names

Liv-rose (First name)

forenames > liv-rose

The name Liv has Scandinavian origin. It is a shortened form of the name Livia, which means "life" or "living" in Latin. Rose is of English origin, derived from the flower name.

Livanier (First name)

forenames > livanier

The origin of the first name "Livanier" is unclear. It does not appear to have a widely recognized origin or meaning in the English language.

Live deep (First name)

forenames > live-deep

The origin of the first name "Live Deep" is likely modern English or a creative invention, as it does not have a widely recognized cultural or historical background.

Live king (First name)

forenames > live-king

The name "Live" is of Scandinavian origin, derived from the Old Norse name "Hlíf," meaning "protection" or "shield." The name "King" is of Old English origin, meaning "ruler" or "...

Liver reddy (First name)

forenames > liver-reddy

The first name "Liver Reddy" originates from India. "Liver" is not a common first name in English-speaking countries, and "Reddy" is a common surname in India, often indicating a p...

Livia (First name)

forenames > livia

Livia is a female given name of Roman origin. It comes from the Latin word "Livia," which means "yew tree" or "alive." The most famous Livia in history was Livia Drusilla, the wife...

Livian (First name)

forenames > livian

The first name "Livian" is of Latin origin, derived from the Latin name "Livius," which means "blue, envious, or envious person." It has also been suggested that "Livius" may have ...

Liviana (First name)

forenames > liviana

The name Liviana is of Latin origin. It is a feminine form of the Roman family name Livianus, which is derived from the Latin name Livius.

Livier (First name)

forenames > livier

The name Livier has Latin origin and is the female form of the name Olivier, which means "olive" or " olive tree" in French. It is an unusual and original name that reflects beauty...

Livio (First name)

forenames > livio

The name Livio is of Italian origin. It is derived from the Latin name Livius, which was a common Roman family name. The root of this name is believed to be "liveo," a Latin verb m...

Liviu (First name)

forenames > liviu

The origin of the male given name Liviu is Romanian. It is derived from the Latin name Livius, which was a family name or cognomen in Ancient Rome. The name Livius means "of Livy,"...

Liviu si oana (First name)

forenames > liviu-si-oana

The name Liviu is of Romanian origin, possibly derived from the Roman name Livius. The name Oana is also of Romanian origin and is a diminutive form of the name Ioana, which is the...

Livius (First name)

forenames > livius

The origin of the first name "Livius" is Latin. It is derived from the Roman family name Livius, which is believed to mean "blue" or "envious" in Latin.

Livvo (First name)

forenames > livvo

The origin of the first name "Livvo" is not clear. It does not appear to have a widely recognized origin or meaning in English.

Livy (First name)

forenames > livy

The name Livy is of Latin origin. It is a shortened form of the name Livia, which is derived from the Roman clan name, Livius. Livy can also be a variation of the name Olivia, whic...