Levy

Meaning & origin

Levy, a form of the biblical Levi, has been in use in the United States since at least 1880, the earliest year in the Social Security data. It reached its peak popularity in 1907, when it was most commonly given. After declining through much of the 20th century, it has been on a rising trajectory since 1990. In 2025, the name sits at rank 1,699, with approximately 1 in every 17,792 newborns receiving the name. Top states for Levy in recent years include Florida, Illinois, and New York. The name's biblical heritage and simple, strong sound contribute to its enduring appeal across generations.

Levy is the English form of the Hebrew name Levi (לֵוִי), from the root לוה (lavah) meaning 'to join' or 'to be attached'. In the Old Testament, Levi was the third son of Jacob and Leah, and the founder of the Levitical priestly tribe. The name has been used among English-speaking Christians since the Reformation, as well as among Jewish communities. In the United States, it saw a peak in the early 1900s and has been rising in popularity since 1990, often used as a given name or surname.