NameCensus.

UK boy's name

Liiban

A masculine Somali name meaning "fragrant, having a pleasant scent".

For 2026, the newest official UK baby-name figures on this page are from 2007. That release is the current official benchmark rather than a forecast.

Liiban is a boy's name in the UK records. People looking for Liiban popularity in 2026 should use the latest official release, which is 2007 in this profile. In that release it ranked #4333, with 3 babies registered with the name. Its strongest year in the published records was 1996, with 5 births.

This profile covers 15 England and Wales registrations across 4 recorded years from 1996 to 2007. The figures come from ONS England and Wales, so the page is a view of published baby-name registrations rather than a forecast or a live count of people using the name today.

The latest count is about 60% of the recorded peak, which gives a quick read on how the name has moved since its high point.

We estimate that about 15 living people in the UK are called Liiban. This uses published birth registrations from England and Wales, Scotland and Northern Ireland, then applies ONS national life tables to estimate how many are likely still alive. It does not forecast extra births for 2008 or 2026.

Key insights

  • Liiban ranked #4333 for boys in England and Wales in 2007, with 3 registrations.
  • The name peaked in 1996, when 5 boys were registered as Liiban.
  • About 15 living people in the UK are estimated to have Liiban as a first name, after adjusting past birth registrations with ONS life tables.

Latest rank (E&W)

#4333

2007

Births in 2007

3

Latest year

Peak year

1996

5 births

Estimated living

15

2026

Meaning

What does Liiban mean?

The given name Liiban has its origins in the Somali language and culture, with roots dating back to ancient times. It is derived from the Arabic word "liban," which means "frankincense" or "incense." The name is associated with the aromatic resin obtained from certain trees, which was highly valued in ancient civilizations for its fragrant properties and use in religious rituals and ceremonies.

Liiban is believed to have been a popular name among the Somali people, who have a rich cultural heritage and a strong connection to the incense trade. The name may have been bestowed upon children as a symbol of purity, spiritual significance, or as a reflection of the family's involvement in the incense trade.

In Islamic history, the name Liiban is mentioned in various texts and religious scriptures, often in reference to the frankincense used in religious ceremonies and rituals. The Quran, for example, mentions the use of frankincense in certain verses, highlighting its significance in Islamic traditions.

One of the earliest recorded individuals with the name Liiban was a renowned Somali poet and scholar who lived in the 17th century. He was renowned for his contributions to Somali literature and his mastery of the Somali language.

Another notable figure with the name Liiban was a 19th-century Somali warrior and leader who played a significant role in defending his people against colonial forces. His bravery and leadership skills were widely celebrated, and he became a symbol of resistance and pride for the Somali people.

In the 20th century, Liiban Mohamed, a Somali politician and diplomat, made significant contributions to his country's independence and international relations. He served as Somalia's ambassador to several countries and played a crucial role in promoting Somali interests on the global stage.

Additionally, Liiban Abdi was a renowned Somali artist and poet who gained recognition for his work in preserving and promoting Somali cultural heritage through his art and literary works. His poems and paintings celebrated the beauty and richness of Somali traditions and identity.

Another notable figure with the name Liiban was Liiban Hussein, a Somali entrepreneur and philanthropist who made significant contributions to economic development and charitable initiatives in his community. He was widely respected for his business acumen and commitment to social responsibility.

These are just a few examples of individuals who have carried the name Liiban throughout history, each making their mark in various fields and contributing to the rich tapestry of Somali culture and society.

Sourced from namecensus.com.

Popularity

Liiban over time

The chart below shows babies named Liiban registered in England and Wales in the years where the name appears in the published records, from 1996 to 2007. Empty years are left out so rare names are not stretched across long periods where the published files do not show any registrations.

For Liiban, the clearest high point is 1996. The latest England and Wales figure is 3 births in 2007, compared with 5 at the peak.

Babies born per year

Liiban
01345199620012007

Decades

Liiban by decade

Decade totals smooth out the yearly jumps and make it easier to see whether Liiban was a short-lived spike or a name that stayed in regular use. Average rank is calculated only from years where a published rank exists.

Decade Average rank Total births Years covered
2000s #3674 10 3
1990s #2020 5 1

Related

Names similar to Liiban

FAQ

Liiban: questions and answers

How popular is the name Liiban in the UK right now?

In 2007, Liiban was ranked #4333 for boys in England and Wales, with 3 births registered.

When was Liiban most popular?

The peak year on record was 1996, with 5 babies registered as Liiban in England and Wales.

What is the meaning and origin of Liiban?

A masculine Somali name meaning "fragrant, having a pleasant scent".

How many people are called Liiban in the UK?

A total of 15 babies have been registered as Liiban across the 4 years of ONS England & Wales records shown here.

Which records is this page based on?

The England and Wales timeline uses ONS baby-name records. Scotland figures come from NRS and Northern Ireland figures come from NISRA. Counts are registrations in published baby-name files. The living estimate uses those birth registrations with ONS national life tables.