Is Leif a boy's or girl's name?

Leif is primarily a boy's name. It is also used as a girl's name, with 5 recorded births.

When was Leif most popular?

Leif reached its peak popularity in 2022 with 290 births that year. It is currently ranked #925 in the U.S.

How popular is the name Leif?

Leif is currently ranked #925 in the U.S. (2024). It has been given to 9,737 babies since 1912.

Leif

A familiar Old Norse name with steady appeal.

Boy's name| Also girlsOld NorseDeclining slightly Also a pet name

#925▼ 66in 2024

Meaning & Origin

a male given name from the Germanic languages

Leif is a boy's and girl's baby name of Old Norse origin, from the Old Norse leifr meaning "heir" or "descendant," possibly related to the word for "relic" or "loved one." Leif Erikson — the Norse explorer who reached North America around 1000 AD, centuries before Columbus — is history's most famous bearer.

Leif carries the bold, seafaring spirit of Viking exploration. Its crisp, single syllable and the epic historical legacy of Leif Erikson make it a name of genuine adventure and discovery — a natural choice for parents who value history, nature, and a name that tells a great story.

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Popularity Over Time

Leif climbed 382 spots in the last 20 years — from #1307 to #925.

Popularity by Decade

Decade-by-decade popularity data for Leif
Decade	Births	Avg Rank	Trend
2020s	1,285	#906	▼
2010s	1,971	#1020	▲
2000s	1,329	#1199	▲
1990s	878	#1255	▼
1980s	1,230	#849	▲
1970s	1,158	#784	▲
1960s	886	#811	▲
1950s	440	#1172	▲
1940s	196	#1705	▲
1930s	111	#2458	▼
1920s	126	#2537	—
1910s	127	#1782	—

Year-by-Year Data

View complete yearly data(113 years, 1912–2024)

Year-by-year popularity data for the name Leif
Year	Births	Rank	Change
2024	250	#925	-29 (-10.4%)
2023	279	#859	-11 (-3.8%)
2022	290	#840	+69 (31.2%)
2021	221	#995	-24 (-9.8%)
2020	245	#913	+40 (19.5%)
2019	205	#1015	-2 (-1.0%)
2018	207	#1003	-11 (-5.0%)
2017	218	#956	+4 (1.9%)
2016	214	#966	+27 (14.4%)
2015	187	#1063	-18 (-8.8%)
2014	205	#1007	+10 (5.1%)
2013	195	#1006	+16 (8.9%)
2012	179	#1063	-6 (-3.2%)
2011	185	#1029	+9 (5.1%)
2010	176	#1093	+1 (0.6%)
2009	175	#1068	+35 (25.0%)
2008	140	#1246	+12 (9.4%)
2007	128	#1329	-7 (-5.2%)
2006	135	#1245	-17 (-11.2%)
2005	152	#1087	+38 (33.3%)

Source: U.S. Social Security Administration. Showing years with 5+ recorded births.

Leif as a Girl's Name

While overwhelmingly a boy's name, Leif has also been given to 5 girls in the U.S. since 1981.

Unranked

Current rank

Total births

1981

Peak year

Compare Leif as boy vs girl

Frequently Asked

Can Leif be used for both boys and girls?

Yes, Leif is used for both boys and girls. As a boy's name, it currently ranks #925. As a girl's name, it is not currently in the top rankings.

Leif has two lives

Leif, the baby name

#925boys

9,737 babies

Currently viewing

Last updated May 2026 · Data: U.S. Social Security Administration (1912–2024) · Methodology