Declining since 2014.
Popularity of Levent since 1979
Babies named Levent per year in U.S. Social Security records.
Data table (by decade)
| Decade | Boys |
|---|---|
| 1970s | 5 |
| 1980s | 0 |
| 1990s | 5 |
| 2000s | 27 |
| 2010s | 60 |
| 2020s | 38 |
Meaning & origin
Levent entered U.S. naming records in 1979, though it has never ranked among the top 1000 names. Its highest usage was in 2015, and since 2014 it has been on a downward trajectory. The name's Turkish origins connect it to the historical 'levend' sailors of the Ottoman Empire, evoking a spirit of adventure and ruggedness. While not widely used in the United States, Levent remains a meaningful choice for families with Turkish heritage or those drawn to its strong, maritime-associated image. The name has not been recorded in any top U.S. state for a given year, suggesting a very niche but present usage.
Levent originates from the Turkish word 'levend,' which historically referred to a type of Ottoman irregular soldier or sailor known for a freewheeling, adventurous lifestyle. The term is likely derived from the Italian 'levantino' ('Levantine'), indicating a person from the eastern Mediterranean. In modern Turkish, 'levent' has come to mean a tall, handsome, and brave young man, and it has been used as a given name since the early 20th century, gaining popularity particularly in the 2000s.
Nicknames & variants
Nicknames: Lev, Leyo
Variants: Levend
Sibling names for Levent
Names that share Levent's style, for a brother or sister.
