Etymology & Historical Origin of the Baby Name Leif

Leif is an Old Norse name derived from “leifr” meaning “descendent, heir”. The most famous name bearer is no doubt the 10th/11th century Norwegian-Icelandic explorer Leifr Eiríksson (Leif Ericson). Apropos, Leif was the first born son of (or “heir to”) Eric the Red, the explorer best remembered as the first European to settle on Greenland. It could easily be argued, though, that Leif had his father beat when he became the first European explorer to land on North America (present Day Canada) 500 years before Christopher Columbus. Boo-ya! For middle aged American women, however, Leif is probably more associated with the 1970s teen heartthrob Leif Garrett than for the explorer. Many Americans pronounced Leif as LEEF rather than its correct Nordic pronunciation of LAYF.

All About the Baby Name – Leif

Personality

OF THE BOY NAME LEIF

The number Five personality loves the excitement of life and can easily adapt to all situations. As natural adventurers, these personalities thrive on the new and unexpected and prefer to be in constant motion. It makes them feel alive. They'll stir up some action if there's not enough around, and as inherent risk-takers they enjoy pushing the envelope. Naturally rebellious, the Five personality has no fear and never resists change.  Traveling and new experiences feed their souls. Fives are very social and attract friends with ease. People love to be around the Five fun-loving and exciting energy.  This is also a lucky number in numerology (like the Threes), so fortune seems to shine on them, helped along by their own optimism and good-nature. Fives have a quick wit, a cerebral mind, and are generally very persuasive. 

Popularity

OF THE BOY NAME LEIF

Leif is very Nordic and therefore less common in the United States (except among Scandinavian-Americans). It reminds us of Lars (the Scandinavian equivalent to Laurence) or Ludvig (the Scandinavian equivalent to Louis). What makes Leif different, though, is that he was born and bred in Nordic Countries, rather than borrowed from other languages. It would be like naming your son “Junior” (the heir) or Jared (Hebrew for “he who descended”). Leif first appeared on America’s Top 1000 list in 1959, stayed for about 30 years, and then disappeared in 1988. Although the name was given to about 175 baby boys in 2012, this was simply not enough to make the Top 1000 list or hit the American radar. Leif is a pleasant sounding name, yet strong and masculine. A great choice for parents who appreciate exploration.

Quick Facts

ON LEIF

GENDER:

Boy

ORIGIN:

Nordic

NUMBER OF SYLLABLES:

1

RANKING POPULARITY:

N/A

PRONUNCIATION:

LAYF

SIMPLE MEANING:

Heir (descendent)

Characteristics

OF LEIF

Freedom-loving

Adventurous

Adaptable

Intellectual

Easygoing

Progressive

Sensual

Cultural References to the Baby Name – Leif

Literary Characters

OF THE BABY NAME LEIF

We cannot find any significant literary characters by the name of Leif

Childrens Books

ON THE BABY NAME LEIF

We cannot find any childrens books with the first name Leif


Popular Songs

ON LEIF

We cannot find any popular or well-known songs with the name of Leif


Famous People

NAMED LEIF

Leif Ericson (famous Nordic explorer)
Leif Garrett (1970s teen idol)

Children of Famous People

NAMED LEIF

We cannot find any children of famous people with the first name Leif

Historic Figures

WITH THE NAME LEIF

Leif Ericson is believed to have been born in Greenland as a son of Erik the Red. Following in his dad’s exploring footsteps, Leif Erickson discovered a part of modern North America about 500 years before Columbus’ journey. He is also credited with having introduced Christianity to Greenland after having been converted during a trip to Norway. Leif was described in contemporary accounts as a strong and handsome man, as well as a wise and good chieftain. He is fondly regarded by legions of Scandinavian Americans as the “true” discoverer of the land we live in; many monuments and statues have been erected in his honor.