Lev
Fact sheet
- Name
- Lev
- Gender
- Boy name
- Syllables
- 1
Lev is a masculine name that is used in Russia as a variant of Leo. The meaning of the name is 'the lion.'
What does the name Lev mean?
The name Lev, a Russian form of Leo, translates to 'the lion.' Its roots lie in the Latin word leo as well as the Ancient Greek leōn (λεων), both meaning 'lion.' From Hebrew, it translates to 'the heart,' derived from the ancient Hebrew term lev (לֵב). In Frisian, the name means 'beloved' or 'of love.' An alternative spelling is Lew.
Where does the name Lev come from?
The name Lev has its origins in both Ancient Hebrew and Latin, meaning 'the lion.' The root words are leo or leōn (λεων) for 'lion' and lev (לֵב) for 'heart.' The languages in which the name appears are Hebrew and Russian.
How do you pronounce Lev?
The pronunciation of Lev is monosyllabic and concise. In German, the name is usually pronounced as 'Lew' [lɛf] or [leːf], with the name starting softly with an L sound. The short vowel is clear and direct, and the final consonant gives the name a distinctive note. Lev exudes a reduced strength - a name that captivates with its clear contour.
Popularity
In Germany, the name Lev enjoys great popularity. Currently, it ranks 423rd on the list of the most common male first names. Lev achieved its best ranking in 2023 at 343rd. Over the last ten years, the name Lev has been given approximately 1,100 times, placing it 501st in the ten-year statistics. From 2010 to 2024, it ranks 584th.
Nicknames & pet names
Levan / Levi / Lewa
Famous people
- Aryeh Lev Stollman (Canadian writer)
- Lev Arnshtam (British film director)
- Lev Aronson (American cellist and composer)
- Lev Aslanovitch Tarassov (Russian writer)
- Lev Barenboim (musician from England)
- Lev Berezner (Russian football player)
- Lev Brovarskyi (British footballer)
- Lev Davidovich Bronstein (Trotsky) (revolutionary leader)
- Lev Fink (Russian physicist)
- Lev Grossman (American writer)
- Lev Gutman (German chess master)
- Lev Ivanov (Russian football player)
- Lev Knipper (composer from Russia)
- Lev Konov (German composer)
- Lev Kopelev (British writer)
- Lev Kopelew (writer)
- Lev Kublanov (Russian artist)
- Lev L. Spiro (American film director)
- Lev Lemke (actor from Russia)
- Lev Lesachenko (Russian singer)
Frequently asked questions about the name Lev
What does the name Lev mean?
The name Lev means 'the lion' and has its roots in the Latin word 'leo' as well as the Ancient Greek 'leōn.' In Hebrew, Lev is also translated as 'the heart.'
Where does the name Lev come from?
Lev has its roots in both Ancient Hebrew and Latin. The root words are 'lev' (לֵב) for 'heart' in Hebrew and 'leo' or 'leōn' (λεων) for 'lion' in Latin.
How popular is the name Lev?
The name Lev enjoys great popularity in various countries, especially in Russia and Israel. It is considered a modern, timeless name that is appealing both traditionally and internationally.