Livia

Livia is the feminine form of the Roman family name Livius and existed independently of Olivia. Its deeper origin is uncertain, although a connection with Latin words associated with a bluish color or envy is often proposed. Those suggestions should not be presented as a settled definition. Livia Drusilla, the wife of Augustus, supplies a prominent historical bearer.

Some families do use Livia as a shortening of Olivia, in which case their intended connection may be different. Liv is a natural everyday nickname for either choice. Livia itself has three compact syllables and an established Italian presence, offering a complete name with its own Roman history rather than merely a shortened spelling of the more familiar Olivia.