Flemish short form of the name Godelieve, itself the Dutch (Flemish) form of the Germanic name Godeliva, formed from elements meaning 'god' and 'dear, beloved' - the same root as the Dutch word lief ('dear, sweet, beloved').
Vibe
gentlesweet
How it ages.
Soft and understated - a short, gentle Dutch and Flemish name that never feels loud.
The cultural moment.
In the Netherlands, Lieve ranked #112 in 2008 and has eased to #297 in 2025; it is also used in Flanders as a short form of Godelieve.