Leif

“Heir, descendant” — Old Norse origin

Boy's name · #917 in the US (2025) · Trending

Leif is climbing: on the charts since 1912, it is ranked #917 in 2025, with about 260 boys given the name last year. Roughly 10,000 have carried it all-time.

Around the world: about 1 in 1,200 boys in Norway (2025) · about 1 in 4,500 boys in Switzerland (2024) · about 1 in 5,500 boys in Sweden (2025).

Appears in 2020-2025 birth records of 27 states. See the full state-by-state map on this page.

Famous Leifs

Leif Erikson — norse explorer (c. 970 – c. 1020)
Leif Segerstam — Finnish conductor and composer (1944–2024)
Leif Ove Andsnes — Norwegian pianist (born 1970)
Leif Erickson — American actor (1911-1986)
Leif G. W. Persson — Swedish criminologist and writer

In stories & tradition

Leif — Animal Crossing: New Leaf · Animal Crossing: Happy Home Designer

What Leifs become

Among 918 notable people named Leif:

No single standout — notable Leifs spread across many fields.

Similar names: Westley · Lyam · Boden · Wes · Lenny · Stone

Browse more boy names — popularity, trends and eras for 5,700+ American names, free.

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