Holding steady, #14,942 for girls today.
Popularity of Lei since 1937
Babies named Lei per year in U.S. Social Security records.
Data table (by decade)
| Decade | Girls |
|---|---|
| 1930s | 27 |
| 1940s | 54 |
| 1950s | 124 |
| 1960s | 160 |
| 1970s | 87 |
| 1980s | 58 |
| 1990s | 43 |
| 2000s | 55 |
| 2010s | 21 |
| 2020s | 23 |
Meaning & origin
Lei is a name with diverse origins, most notably Hawaiian and Chinese. In the United States, it first appeared in recorded data in 1937 and reached its peak popularity in 1962, when it ranked 14,942. As of 2025, the name remains rare, given to approximately 1 in 321,453 newborns. Its usage has been stable over the decades, with a slight preference for girls. The name's Hawaiian meaning of a garland or wreath gives it a gentle, nature-associated feel, while Chinese meanings vary based on the characters chosen. Although not associated with any top states in recent data, Lei carries a multicultural appeal.
Lei has multiple possible origins. In Hawaiian, it refers to a garland or wreath, commonly given as a symbol of affection. In Chinese, it can be a transcription of various characters, such as 蕾 (lěi, 'bud'), 雷 (léi, 'thunder'), or 磊 (lěi, 'open-hearted'). The name has seen occasional use in the United States since the early 20th century.
Nicknames & variants
Variants: Ley, Leigh
Sibling names for Lei
Names that share Lei's style, for a brother or sister.
