"heart"
Origin: Hebrew
Language: Hebrew
Lev
Pronunciation: [ l-EHV ]
Does Lev flow with your last name?
One syllable, infinite depth — Hebrew for heart
Hebrew
Russian
Jewish
Israeli
Minimalist
Strong
Modern
Bold
Spiritual
Reviewed by the NamingEverything Editorial Team · Updated
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Meaning & Origin
"lion"
Origin: Slavic/Latin
Language: Russian
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The Story of Lev
Lev is the Hebrew word for heart, and the Russian/Slavic form also carries the meaning of lion (from Latin leo). In Jewish tradition, Lev represents the seat of emotion, courage, and spiritual life — the heart as the center of the person. In Slavic countries, Lev became a distinguished literary name through Leo Tolstoy (born Lev Nikolayevich Tolstoy), one of the greatest novelists in history.
Lev has seen a surge in the US and UK in the 2010s-2020s, appealing to Jewish families seeking a Hebrew name with global clarity and to non-Jewish families drawn to its brevity and strength. Its single syllable fits perfectly in an era that loves short, punchy names.
In Jewish culture, Lev (heart) appears throughout the Torah — most famously in the Shema prayer's command to love God with all your heart. The name embodies Jewish values of compassion and inner life.
Historical Record
Lev first appeared in US Social Security records in 1971.
Over 2,770 babies have been named Lev in the United States since SSA records began.
Today, Lev is a hidden gem — rare but distinctive , currently ranked #1,042 for boy names in the US .
Fun Facts
- Lev Tolstoy wrote War and Peace, at over 1,200 pages one of the longest novels ever written
- In Kabbalah, the Hebrew word lev has a numerical value of 32, corresponding to the 32 paths of wisdom
Lev in Other Languages
Hebrew
לֵב
Russian
Лев
Yiddish
Lev
Georgian
ლევ
Bulgarian
Лев
Popularity Over Time
#1,042
Current Rank
Rising
Trend
Hidden Gem
Based on SSA data 1880–present
Year-by-year popularity data will be available soon.
Famous People Named Lev
L
Lev Vygotsky
Scientist
1896
Soviet psychologist and founder of sociocultural theory of human development
L
Leo Tolstoy
Writer
1828
Russian author of War and Peace and Anna Karenina, born Lev Nikolayevich Tolstoy
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Compare Lev with:
Quick Facts
- Gender
- Boy
- Syllables
- 1
- Popularity Rank
- #1,042
- Total SSA Count
- 213
- Cultural Origins
- Hebrew Russian Jewish Israeli
- Pronunciation
- Easy
- Formality
- Formal
- Cross-Cultural Ease
- Moderate
Alternative Spellings
Middle Name Ideas
Suggested pairings based on syllable flow and style
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Timeless choice, Israeli heritage match, quick 1-1 syllable combo
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Classic pairing, smooth 1-2 syllable flow
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Distinctive pick, Russian heritage match, quick 1-1 syllable combo
-
Timeless choice, strong style, quick 1-1 syllable combo
-
Classic pairing, smooth 1-2 syllable flow
-
Timeless choice, Russian heritage match, quick 1-1 syllable combo
-
Classic pairing, smooth 1-2 syllable flow
-
Classic pairing, smooth 1-2 syllable flow
-
Classic pairing, smooth 1-2 syllable flow
-
Classic pairing, smooth 1-2 syllable flow
Middle Names
Middle Names for Lev
7 name pairings with syllable flow tips
Sibling Names
Sibling Match
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Also a Girl Name
Lev is also used as a girl name, ranked #12698.
View Lev as a girl name →Similar Names
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Same Origin Names (Hebrew)
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Frequently Asked Questions About Lev
What does the name Lev mean?
"heart" (from Hebrew). "lion" (from Slavic/Latin). Lev is the Hebrew word for heart, and the Russian/Slavic form also carries the meaning of lion (from Latin leo). In Jewish tradition, Lev represents the seat of emotion, courage, and spiritual life — the heart as the center of the person. In Slavic countries, Lev became a distinguished literary name through Leo Tolstoy (born Lev Nikolayevich Tolstoy), one of the greatest novelists in history.
What is the origin of the name Lev?
Lev has Hebrew, Slavic/Latin, Russian, Jewish, and Israeli origins. In Hebrew, it means "heart". In Slavic/Latin, it means "lion".
Is Lev a boy or girl name?
Lev is used as both a boy and girl name. As a boy name, it is ranked #1042. As a girl name, it is ranked #12698. Lev is more commonly used as a boy name.
How do you pronounce Lev?
Lev is pronounced l-EHV.
How popular is the name Lev?
Lev is currently ranked #1042 in popularity for boy names in the United States.
What are good middle names for Lev?
Popular middle name pairings include Lev Alexander, Lev Joseph, Lev Isaac, Lev Nathaniel, Lev Simon, Lev Samuel, and Lev Elijah.
What are good sibling names for Lev?
Names that pair well with Lev as siblings include Mira, Dasha, Sasha, Vera, Ilya, Anya, Tova, and Noam.
How many syllables does Lev have?
Lev has 1 syllable, making it easy to say and remember.
Is Lev a common or rare name?
Lev is an uncommon name, ranked #1042 in the US. Its rarity gives it a distinctive, memorable quality.
What boy names are similar to Lev?
About the Name Lev
Lev is a boy name with Hebrew, Russian, Jewish, and Israeli origins . The name means "heart" in Hebrew .
Is Lev a boy or girl name? Lev is used as both a boy and girl name. As a boy name, it ranks #1,042 in popularity. As a girl name, it ranks #12,698. Lev is more commonly used as a boy name.
Lev is currently ranked #1,042 in popularity for boy names in the United States.
The name Lev has 1 syllable and is pronounced l-EHV, making it easy to pronounce and remember.
Alternative spellings of Lev include Levi, Levon, Levy, Leviathan, Leviticus . Each spelling variation gives the name a slightly different character while preserving its sound and meaning.
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Sources
- U.S. Social Security Administration — National Baby Names Data (popularity rankings and historical trends)
- Behind the Name (etymology and meaning research)
- NamingEverything editorial research and analysis