Leif - name meaning and origin

The boy's name Leif \leif\ is pronounced life, layf, leef. It is of Scandinavian origin, and its meaning is "heir; loved". According to Norse legend, the Viking Leif Eriksson landed his longboat on American shores some 500 years before Columbus arrived.

Leif has 1 variant form: Lief.

Baby names that sound like Leif are Lev, Levi, Levy and Lew.

Leif is an uncommon male first name and a popular surname (source: 1990 U.S. Census). Displayed below is the baby name popularity trend for the boy's name Leif. Compare Leif with related baby names.