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.