Boy · 1152nd of 23,106
Lev
Meaning, origin and U.S. popularity at a glance
2,845
Total Births
145
Years of Data
2022
Peak Popularity Year
227
Peak Births
Generational story
Where Lev stands across generations
Rankings for U.S. births from 2013 to 2024.
Based on the most recent three-year movement in the national data.
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Meaning, origin & U.S. popularity
Summary
Lev is a Hebrew name meaning 'heart.' It has evolved from Hebrew through Yiddish and Russian. The name is linked to the biblical figure Levi and has been used historically in Jewish contexts. Modern perceptions of Lev are positive, associated with strength and depth.
Etymology & cultural background Open the full meaning, origin, history, and variants
Etymology & Cultural Background
Pronunciation
/lɛv/
Origin
Hebrew
Etymology
The name Lev comes from the Hebrew word 'לֵב' (lev), which means 'heart.'
Meaning
heart
Language Evolution
Hebrew: לֵב (lev), Yiddish: לייב (Leyb), Russian: Лев (Lev)
Biblical Background
Lev is associated with the biblical figure Levi, one of the twelve sons of Jacob, from whom the Levite tribe descends.
Historical Usage
Lev gained popularity in Jewish communities and has been used as a given name for centuries, especially in Eastern Europe.
Variants & Derivatives
Levi, Levy, Leiba, Leib
Modern Popularity & Image
Today, Lev is perceived as a strong and meaningful name, popular in various cultures, particularly among Jewish families.
Famous People
Lev Tolstoy, the renowned Russian author, Lev Yashin, a famous Soviet football goalkeeper
Trend Analysis
Boy Name Trend
Recent 3-Year Analysis
3-Year Trend:
Stable
25-Year Trend:
Relatively Stable
Girl Name Trend
Recent 3-Year Analysis
3-Year Trend:
Stable
25-Year Trend:
Relatively Stable
Explore popularity by location
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Key Insights
Popularity Trend
Less Common name with 227 peak births in 2022
Geographic Spread
Popular across 20 US states, with strongest presence in Florida
Historical Span
Data spanning 145 years from 1880 to 2024, showing long-term trends
Generational Impact
Influenced 6 different American generations with varying popularity
Alternative spellings & similar sounds
Compare 4 names that share a similar pronunciation but use different spellings.
Historical Birth Statistics
Note: Years with identical rankings may represent different numbers of births. Data is sourced from Social Security card applications for births in the United States.
Yearly Ranking History
Full popularity table across American generations 6 generation and gender records
Popularity Across American Generations
| Generation | Gender | Rank | Recorded births |
|---|---|---|---|
| Generation X (Gen X) (1965-1980) | Boy | 5873rd of 10718 | 45 |
| Millennials (Gen Y) (1981-1996) | Boy | 6058th of 16616 | 103 |
| Generation Z (Gen Z or Zoomers) (1997-2012) | Boy | 2892nd of 24088 | 578 |
| Generation Alpha (2013-2024) | Boy | 1152nd of 23106 | 2,044 |
| Generation Z (Gen Z or Zoomers) (1997-2012) | Girl | 33240th of 35406 | 6 |
| Generation Alpha (2013-2024) | Girl | 13512th of 30306 | 69 |