Leif
Boy name · 6 babies recorded · 1974–2025
Leif: 6 babies born in Scotland since 1974, given to boys, peaking at 3 births in 2019.
Leif is a Scandinavian name rooted in the Old Norse *Leifr*, meaning “heir” or “descendant.” Its most famous bearer is the Viking explorer Leif Erikson, who is believed to have reached North America around 1000 AD, centuries before Columbus. While no major settlements bear his name, the Leif Erikson Park in Duluth, Minnesota, and a bronze statue in Reykjavík honour his voyages. In Scotland, Leif is a rare but appreciated choice, often chosen by parents drawn to Nordic heritage or a strong, short name. It shares its etymological root with the modern Scandinavian names Leifur (Icelandic) and Lief (rare Anglicised spelling). Leif occasionally appears in popular culture, such as in the *Animal Crossing* video game series, reinforcing its quiet, outdoorsy charm.
Boy 2 of 52 years
- Peak year
- 20193 babies
- Latest (2021)
- #7203 babies
- Total births
- 6since 2019
- 5-year trend
- ≈ stablevs prior 5y