I chose Liberty as the middle name for my daughter (5 days old). Most of my friends are liberals, and a few commented that the name sounded "Republican". I keep wondering what in the world would give them that impression. Liberal and Liberty share the greek root "liber", meaning free. Liberals should love Liberty as they are meant to be synonymous. At any rate, Liberty is more associated with Libertarians than Republicans.
Modern so-called liberals are hypocrites in that they are authoritarian. Liberty shouldn't be seen as "controversial", as the fundamental framing of the US, the very thing that United the States, is liberty and freedom from tyranny. If someone doesn't like liberty, I ask why they are for tyranny, and if they'd like to be subjected to my superior plan for their life.