Names That Mean Freedom

Fanya might make an international and unusual short form for the classic Frances, or could stand as a full name on its own. Definitely classier than Tanya but with the same Eastern European flavor.

Liber was the name of the Roman god of wine, freedom, and male fertility. It is etymologically linked to the word "libation," referring to the ritual practice of sharing drinks.

Good way to honor Scandinavian roots, or an ancestor named Carl or Charles.

The story behind this name is positive: it was first used as a virtue name by the 19th-century liberal thinker Vladimir Jovanović (who also named his daughter Pravda, "justice"). However, it is now tainted by the former Yugoslavian president Slobodan Milošević ⁠— the only wearer most English speakers know. Some may also find the first syllable off-putting.

Eleftheria is derived from the male saint's name Eleutherios/Eleftherios. The national motto of Greece is Eleftheria i thanatos, "freedom or death".

Aditi is the name of the ancient Hindu mother goddess. Sometimes call the Cosmic Creator, Aditi is the goddess of fertility, the earth, the sky, the past and the future. Along with several other Hindu goddess names, Aditi is on the rise.

A variation of the Biblical Paltiel, this name was also appears in the name of an Israeli-American folk-pop duo, Ilana & Palti, made up of singer-songwriters Paltiel-hay Jacoby and Ilana Zadok.

A patriotic name for Albanians, Liridon is a handsome and dramatic choice.

An offbeat way to celebrate this virtue.

An Asian favorite.

A rare Albanian name with an appealing meaning, akin to Liberty and Saoirse. It is derived from the Albanian word, liri.

Fanchon is a sweet and affectionate Gallic choice.

Carleton has a great meaning behind it, and should really have more popularity than it has found to date. You can shorten it to Carl or keep it upscale and formal in the longer form. Baseball Hall of Fame catcher Carlton Fisk lends the name some sporty credentials, while American artist Carleton Wiggins confirms this name's Victorian earnestness.

Frank is cool again. Frankie is cute. But frankly, Frankito is a couple of diminutives too many.

One of the classic hippie word names. In the 1970s, actors Barbara Hershey and David Carradine gave this name to their son...who later changed it to Tom.

French variation of Lysander.

A classic Italian name still heard in the Italian-American community. Once tainted by the association with the Spanish dictator, it's now more likely to call up actor James Franco.

This would make an interesting South American heritage choice. One famous bearer was Quispe Sisa, an Inca princess in the 16th century. It is also a surname.

Libertad is the forceful name recently given to his daughter by Mexican actor Gael Garcia Bernal. English equivalent Liberty has been in use for girls for some time. Libertad might be considered a Spanish virtue name or word name. See our list of other Spanish word names.

A grand, dramatic Albanian name with a patriotic meaning, Liridona has a beautiful sound and could be a fresh take on Donna, or a longer form of Lyra.