Rising since 1993, #917 for boys today.
Popularity of Leif since 1912
Babies named Leif per year in U.S. Social Security records.
Data table (by decade)
| Decade | Boys |
|---|---|
| 1910s | 127 |
| 1920s | 126 |
| 1930s | 111 |
| 1940s | 196 |
| 1950s | 442 |
| 1960s | 886 |
| 1970s | 1,158 |
| 1980s | 1,231 |
| 1990s | 878 |
| 2000s | 1,329 |
| 2010s | 1,971 |
| 2020s | 1,542 |
Meaning & origin
Leif is a sturdy, historically anchored name that remains rare in the United States. First recorded in 1912, it has never broken into the top 500, but its trajectory has been steadily rising since 1993, reaching its peak popularity in 2022. The name carries the legacy of Norse explorer Leif Erikson, which lends it a quiet sense of exploration and resilience. As of 2025, Leif ranks 917th nationally with 1 in every 6,646 boys receiving the name. It is most prevalent in states with strong Scandinavian heritage, including Montana, Utah, and Idaho. Parents drawn to Leif often appreciate its brevity, strong consonant sound, and connection to Viking history.
Leif derives from the Old Norse name Leifr, meaning 'heir' or 'descendant.' It was borne by the Norse explorer Leif Erikson, who is credited with reaching North America around 1000 AD, centuries before Columbus. The name has been common in Scandinavia and Iceland for centuries and saw increased use in English-speaking countries during the 20th century.
Where Leif is most popular
Births per 100,000 boys by state. Press play or drag the slider to watch it move across the decades. The lightest shade means too few recorded births.
“Leif” around the world
Where Leif lands in the latest official birth statistics abroad, matched to the U.S. spelling.
France
5
babies in 2024
Sources: INSEE (France).
Nicknames & variants
Variants: Leiv
Sibling names for Leif
Names that share Leif's style, for a brother or sister.
Sisters: Astrid, Ingrid, Freya, Sigrid, Liv, Maren, Freyja, Helga, Thora, Thyra, Anneka, Arna, Blenda, Glada, Gudrun, Hildur, Tora, Vara, Alwilda, Beyla, Borghild, Dala, Disa, Halla, Jordis, Kelda, Linnae, Ragna, Torvi, Sunniva, Aften, Alvilda, Astryd, Brynja, Dagny, Elfida, Elvi, Oline, Skadi
Brothers: Erik, Bjorn, Sven, Lars, Nils, Magnus, Odin, Aksel, Einar, Erling, Ivar, Loki, Oden, Rolf, Thor, Waldemar, Asta, Erland, Eryk, Harald, Keng, Knute, Ragnar, Rollo, Roran, Rune, Selmer, Sigurd, Tor, Trygve, Tyr, Valdemar, Viggo, Alarik, Bera, Eirik, Eivin, Esten, Jonerik, Lauris, Lief, Rorik, Thoren, Thorin, Aarik, Alrick, Drakkar, Fenrir, Fenris, Havard, Jarl, Odinn, Roald, Thorvald
