Lev
- Meaning
- Heart in Hebrew; lion in Russian
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What does Lev mean?
Lev means “Heart in Hebrew; lion in Russian”.
Lev has independent Hebrew and Russian histories. In Hebrew, lev means “heart.” In Russian, Lev corresponds to the name Leo and is associated with the word for a lion. Neither meaning should replace the other: the family’s language and intended connection determine which story belongs to the name.
The writer known in English as Leo Tolstoy bore the Russian name Lev. Its three letters and final v give it a particularly compact shape, and it can be used without a nickname. Leva is a familiar Russian diminutive, while Levi is a separate Hebrew name. Parents comparing them should consider their distinct meanings as well as their similar beginnings.
Nicknames & variations
Explore short forms, spellings, and related names.
Variations & related forms
Related forms and spellings recorded for this name.
How popular is Lev?
United States · 2025Explore how often Lev is used and how its ranking has changed.
- US boys rank
- #1,001 2025 · #1 is most popular
- Boys named Lev
- 227 Recorded births in 2025
- Change in births
- 5.6% More than 2024
Lev over time
United States · Boys
Recorded births
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Yearly data & usage
Rankings are calculated separately for girls and boys. The summary highlights boys, the most common recorded usage in 2025. Use the chart’s usage selector to explore both categories.
| Year | Usage | US rank | Births |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2025 | Boys | #1,001 | 227 |
| 2025 | Girls | #10,555 | 9 |
| 2024 | Boys | #1,036 | 215 |
| 2024 | Girls | #10,741 | 9 |
| 2023 | Boys | #1,093 | 197 |
| 2023 | Girls | #12,894 | 7 |
| 2022 | Boys | #1,018 | 219 |
| 2022 | Girls | #11,800 | 8 |
| 2021 | Boys | #1,055 | 203 |
| 2021 | Girls | #12,946 | 7 |
| 2020 | Boys | #1,109 | 178 |
| 2020 | Girls | #9,279 | 11 |
| 2019 | Boys | #1,005 | 208 |
| 2019 | Girls | #11,968 | 8 |
| 2018 | Boys | #1,078 | 184 |
| 2018 | Girls | #14,890 | 6 |
| 2017 | Boys | #1,298 | 140 |
| 2017 | Girls | #15,161 | 6 |
| 2016 | Boys | #1,214 | 156 |
| 2015 | Boys | #1,295 | 138 |
| 2014 | Boys | #1,481 | 110 |
| 2014 | Girls | #13,948 | 7 |
Years reflect available birth records. Missing records do not mean zero births.
Names like Lev
Explore the connection, then save your favorites to compare.
Leo
Mostly boys- Meaning
- Lion
Listed as a related name to Lev.
Noah
Mostly boys- Meaning
- Rest, repose
Shares an origin with Lev.
James
Mostly boys- Meaning
- Supplanter
Shares an origin with Lev.
Elijah
Mostly boys- Meaning
- Yahweh is God
Shares an origin with Lev.
Benjamin
Mostly boys- Meaning
- Son of the right hand
Shares an origin with Lev.
Levi
Mostly boys- Meaning
- Joined, attached
Shares an origin with Lev.
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