All about the name

Ligeia

Female

« Ligeia is a Latin-derived female given name meaning 'to bind' or 'tie,' implying loyalty and faithfulness. »

#65102 since 1900

Meaning, origin, history

Ligeia is a unique and distinctive female given name of Latin origin. Its meaning is derived from the Latin word "ligare," which translates to "to bind" or "to tie." This suggests that Ligeia may have been intended as a name for someone who is loyal, faithful, or has strong bonds with others. The earliest known use of the name Ligeia appears in Edgar Allan Poe's short story "Ligeia," published in 1838. In this tale, Ligeia is a character who is intelligent and knowledgeable, but also haughty and arrogant. Despite this portrayal, Poe's story has contributed to the popularity of the name Ligeia. Today, Ligeia remains a rare and unusual name, often chosen by parents seeking something distinctive for their daughter. While it may not be as common as more traditional names like Elizabeth or Margaret, Ligeia continues to hold appeal due to its unique sound and interesting history.

In numbers

Popularity of the name Ligeia since 1880

Total births
5
Total since 1880
Peak year
1974
5 births
in 1974
5
Recent births (5 years)
5-year trend
0% →
vs previous 5 years