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Name Popularity Over Time
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Similar Names
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Leif is a strong, Nordic-inspired name that evokes images of ancient Viking explorers and modern outdoor enthusiasts. With its distinctive spelling and dynamic meaning, Leif has a bold, masculine appeal that has captivated parents seeking a unique choice for their baby boy.
Leif is a Scandinavian name derived from the Old Norse "Leifr," meaning "heir" or "descendant." It is closely related to the Icelandic and Norwegian name "Leifur" and the Danish and Swedish "Lev." The name has historical significance as the first European to establish a settlement in North America - the Viking explorer Leif Erikson, son of Erik the Red, who led the expedition that discovered Vinland (modern-day Newfoundland) around the year 1000 AD.
Though not among the most common names today, Leif has seen a steady rise in popularity in recent years. In the United States, Leif ranked #840 in popularity for baby boys born in 2022, a jump from its #1,172 ranking in 2020. The name has a distinct, outdoorsy appeal that has made it an attractive choice for modern parents seeking a standout but familiar Scandinavian-inspired name.
While Leif Erikson remains the most famous historical bearer of this name, there are a few other notable Leifs in recent history. Leif Garrett was a popular teen idol and actor in the 1970s, known for hit songs like "Surfin' USA" and appearances in shows like "Family." Leif Vollebekk is a Canadian singer-songwriter praised for his introspective folk-rock sound.
Leif is a rugged, adventurous name that conjures images of windswept fjords and brave Viking explorers. It has a classic, masculine style that appeals to parents drawn to Scandinavian-influenced names. Leif tends to be favored by outdoorsy, nature-loving families who appreciate its strong, adventurous vibe. The name is often associated with traits like courage, strength, and a pioneering spirit.
The name Leif has a rhythmic, two-syllable structure that pairs well with a variety of middle and last names. It flows nicely with common American surname endings like "-son," "-sen," or "-sten," maintaining its Scandinavian flair. Some examples of full names with Leif include Leif Holden, Leif Christiansen, and Leif Bjornson.
Beyond the historical significance of Leif Erikson's voyages, the name has appeared in other cultural references. Leif is the main character in the 1997 children's book "Leif the Lucky" by D.L. Ashliman, which tells the story of the Viking explorer. The name has also been used in various Scandinavian-themed media, literature, and music over the years.
If you're drawn to the rugged, adventurous style of Leif but want to explore other options, here are a few alternative name ideas to consider:
These names share Leif's masculine, outdoorsy appeal while providing slightly different variations on the Norse-inspired theme.
2022 | 288 | 840 |
2021 | 221 | 992 |
2020 | 245 | 912 |
2019 | 205 | 1,017 |
2018 | 206 | 1,004 |
2017 | 218 | 954 |
2016 | 213 | 970 |
2015 | 187 | 1,064 |
2014 | 205 | 1,006 |
2013 | 195 | 1,004 |
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Bjorn | 323 | View Details |
Leander | 109 | View Details |
Lars | 94 | View Details |
Ragnar | 88 | View Details |
Einar | 33 | View Details |
Rorik | 25 | View Details |
Leevi | 24 | View Details |
Leul | 23 | View Details |
Erling | 23 | View Details |
Eirik | 16 | View Details |
Leith | 15 | View Details |
Leiby | 14 | View Details |
Harald | 9 | View Details |
Lief | 8 | View Details |
Lewyn | 8 | View Details |
Lehi | 7 | View Details |
Leandros | 7 | View Details |
Olav | 5 | View Details |
Laif | 0 | View Details |
Leiv | 0 | View Details |
Leithan | 0 | View Details |
Leavon | 0 | View Details |
Elof | 0 | View Details |
Lafe | 0 | View Details |
Thorvald | 0 | View Details |
Torstein | 0 | View Details |
Oluf | 0 | View Details |
Leaon | 0 | View Details |
Erland | 0 | View Details |
Helge | 0 | View Details |