Leaf
A boy's name of Old English origin with 134 recorded U.S. births.
Meaning & Origin
A surname from Old English.
Leaf is a boy's baby name of Old English origin, from the Old English leaf meaning 'leaf' or 'foliage.' It is also a variant of the Old Norse name Leif, meaning 'descendant' or 'heir.'
The name is associated with actor Leaf Phoenix — the earlier name of Joaquin Phoenix — who later changed it. As a word name, Leaf has a clean, organic simplicity that fits naturally within the nature name trend alongside River, Stone, and Cedar.
EtymologyShow more
In the American context, Leaf is a boy's name with several decades of recorded use (1971–2021). Its Old English roots connect it to a broader naming tradition, but in practice, American usage often reshapes names — adding nicknames, shifting pronunciation, and building new associations that diverge from the original cultural context.
With 134 total births, Leaf exists at the edges of the American naming landscape — a name known primarily to the families who carry it, giving it an intensely personal character.
At a Glance
Popularity Over Time
Leaf has 22+ years of history in the U.S., first appearing in 1971.
Popularity by Decade
| Decade | Births | Trend |
|---|---|---|
| 2020s | 11 | ▼ |
| 2010s | 43 | ▲ |
| 2000s | 35 | ▲ |
| 1990s | 6 | ▼ |
| 1970s | 39 | — |
The Story of Leaf
A Gen Alpha name
Peaking in 2016, Leaf is a fresh, modern favorite. Boys named Leaf are most likely born between 2006 and 2021.
How rare is Leaf?
With fewer than 500 recorded births, Leaf is an exceptionally rare name — a one-of-a-kind choice.
The journey through the decades
First appeared in the records in 1971, grew steadily over the decades, peaked in the 2010s with 43 births that decade, and has gracefully settled into a quieter chapter.
Leaf by the numbers
- Would fill 3 school buses
Year-by-Year Data
View complete yearly data(22 years, 1971–2021)
| Year | Births | Rank |
|---|---|---|
| 2021 | 5 | #13277 |
| 2020 | 6 | #11420 |
| 2017 | 6 | #11599 |
| 2016 | 12 | #6968 |
| 2015 | 6 | #11537 |
| 2014 | 7 | #10281 |
| 2013 | 6 | #11582 |
| 2012 | 6 | #11668 |
| 2008 | 5 | #13761 |
| 2006 | 5 | #13206 |
| 2004 | 6 | #10798 |
| 2003 | 5 | #12002 |
| 2002 | 7 | #9014 |
| 2000 | 7 | #8752 |
| 1998 | 6 | #9164 |
| 1979 | 6 | #5778 |
| 1978 | 6 | #5484 |
| 1976 | 7 | #4723 |
| 1975 | 5 | #5959 |
| 1973 | 5 | #5547 |
Source: U.S. Social Security Administration. Showing years with 5+ recorded births.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Leaf a boy's or girl's name?
When was Leaf most popular?
How popular is the name Leaf?
Explore More
Data source: U.S. Social Security Administration, 1971–2021