About the name Leif
The origin of Leif is debated, and we couldn't confirm its meaning from a sourced etymology. A commonly cited theory links it to Scandinavian roots, with the meaning “Heir, descendant”. Treat that as a theory, not a settled fact.
Why we say this: we only state a meaning as fact when a sourced etymology (Wiktionary, with its references) supports it. For Leif we didn't find one we were confident in, so we show the popular explanation as a theory.
It has a unique, short & sweet feel. In 2025, Leif ranked #917 for boys in the US, with 257 babies given the name. Its peak year since 1940 was 2022. Since 2000, 100% of US babies named Leif were boys.
- US rank 2025
- #917
- In 2015
- #1063
- Babies in 2025
- 257
Popularity of Leif, 1940–2025
Latest SSA data: 2025.
Popularity data: U.S. Social Security Administration national baby names (public domain; names given to at least 5 babies of one sex per year).
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Leif
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7 LB 4 OZ · 20 IN
The Baby Kit
See Leif on a birth announcement
Birth announcements, shower invitations, nursery wall art and milestone cards, all personalized with Leif. Type your details once and print at home or at any print shop.
Nicknames for Leif
Leif is already short and sweet, so it doesn't usually get a nickname.
Names similar to Leif
Name meanings marked or linked “Wiktionary” are adapted from Wiktionary by Wiktionary contributors, CC BY-SA 4.0; each name page links its source entry.