Leif
Gender: Boy
Meaning: Heir, descendant, beloved
Origin: Old Norse
Popularity: Ranked #917 in 2025 with 257 babies born.
History: Leif derives from the Old Norse 'leifr,' meaning heir or descendant. Its most famous bearer is Leif Erikson, the Norse explorer who is widely believed to have been the first European to reach North America, landing in Vinland around 1000 AD. The name is popular in Scandinavian countries and has grown in the United States.
Name length: 4 letters
How common is Leif? About 1 in 12,951 babies born in 2025 were named Leif, or roughly 0.7 per day in the United States.
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Frequently asked about Leif
What does the name Leif mean?
Leif means “Heir, descendant, beloved” from Old Norse roots.
What is the origin of the name Leif?
Leif has Old Norse origin. The traditional meaning is “Heir, descendant, beloved”.
How popular is Leif?
Leif ranked #917 in 2025 — given to 257 babies that year.
When was Leif most popular?
Leif peaked in 2022 with 290 babies registered that year.
Is Leif a boy or girl name?
Leif is predominantly a boys' name — over 90% of Leifs in registered births are male.
How long has Leif been recorded?
Leif appears in birth records across 114 years — from 1912 through 2025.