ThinkabaraLeif: meaning and origin
Leif
“Heir, descendant; Leif Erikson the explorer”
- Gender
- 👦 Boy
- Origin
- 🛶 Scandinavian
- Letters · syllables
- 4 · 1
- Starts with
- L
About the name Leif
Leif is a boy’s name from the Scandinavian tradition. Its meaning is “heir, descendant; Leif Erikson the explorer”. Names from Old Norse and the Scandinavian languages — like Erik, Freya, Astrid and Leif.
It’s a classic: a name that has been used for generations and still feels fresh.
Tips before you choose
- Say the full name out loud with your last name, and with any middle name.
- Check the initials — and what they spell.
- Think about nicknames kids might make from it.
- Write it down: is the spelling easy for teachers and friends?
More Scandinavian names
- Anders 👦Manly, strong; a form of Andrew · Scandinavian
- Axel 👦Father of peace; a Scandinavian form of Absalom · Scandinavian
- Bjorn 👦Bear · Scandinavian
- Erik 👦Eternal ruler · Scandinavian
- Skyler 🧒Scholar; also linked to “sky” · Scandinavian
- Soren 👦Stern, severe; a form of Severin · Scandinavian
Sibling name ideas (Scandinavian, girls)
- Astrid 👧Divinely beautiful · Scandinavian
- Dahlia 👧The dahlia flower, named for the botanist Anders Dahl · Scandinavian
- Freya 👧Lady; the Norse goddess of love · Scandinavian
- Ingrid 👧Beautiful, beloved · Scandinavian
- Linnea 👧The twinflower, Sweden’s national flower · Scandinavian
- Saga 👧Seeing one; a Norse goddess · Scandinavian
More boy names starting with L
- Leander 👦Lion-man · Greek
- Leo 👦Lion · Latin
- Leonardo 👦Brave as a lion · Italian
- Levi 👦Joined, attached · Hebrew
- Liam 👦Strong-willed warrior; the Irish short form of William · Irish
- Lincoln 👦Lake colony; also the 16th US president · English
- Logan 👦Little hollow · Scottish
- Lorenzo 👦From Laurentum; crowned with laurel · Italian
- Louis 👦Famous warrior · French
- Luca 👦From Lucania; a form of Luke · Italian
Questions and answers
What does the name Leif mean?
Leif is a name of Scandinavian origin. It means: heir, descendant; Leif Erikson the explorer.
Is Leif a boy or girl name?
Leif is usually given to boys.
How many syllables does Leif have?
Leif has 4 letters and about 1 syllable.