Gender: Primarily male
Origin: Hebrew
Meaning: “Joined” or “attached”
Pronunciation: LEE-vie
Meaning of the Name Levi
The name Levi comes from the Hebrew name Levi (לֵוִי), meaning “joined” or “attached.” In the Bible, Levi was the third son of Jacob and Leah, and Leah named him this because she hoped her husband would become more attached to her after his birth. The name has deep roots in Jewish heritage, as Levi became the ancestor of the Levites, one of the twelve tribes of Israel.
Historical Significance of Levi
Levi has quite a rich history! In biblical times, the Levites were designated as priests and given special religious duties. They didn’t receive land like the other tribes but instead were scattered throughout Israel to serve as religious leaders.
The name has stood the test of time, appearing throughout history and across different cultures. It experienced a bit of a decline in popularity during the Middle Ages but has made a strong comeback in recent decades. Today, many parents choose it for its biblical roots, its simple but strong sound, and its trendy vibe.
Common Nicknames for Levi
- Lee
- Lev
- Vi
- Vivi
- Leeber
How Popular Is Levi?
Levi has been climbing the popularity charts steadily since the early 2000s. In the United States, it entered the top 100 names in 2009 and has continued to rise. As of recent years, it typically ranks in the top 20-30 boy names nationwide. The name has especially taken off in rural and suburban communities, where traditional biblical names often remain popular.
In other English-speaking countries like Australia, Canada, and the UK, Levi has also seen significant popularity increases. It’s one of those names that feels both timeless and modern at the same time.
Famous People Named Levi
- Levi Strauss – Founder of the Levi’s jeans company
- Levi Ackerman – Popular character from the anime “Attack on Titan”
- Levi Roots – British-Jamaican musician and entrepreneur
- Levi Miller – Australian actor known for “Pan” and “A Wrinkle in Time”
- Levi Johnston – Known for his relationship with Bristol Palin
- Levi Stubbs – Lead vocalist of the Four Tops
Fictional Characters Named Levi
- Levi Ackerman – A captain in the manga/anime “Attack on Titan”
- Levi Callow – Character in the TV series “Yellowjackets”
- Levi Grayson – Character in the novel “The Secret Life of Bees”
- Levi O’Brien – Character in the TV series “Heartland”
- Levi Schmitt – Character in “Grey’s Anatomy”
Levi in Literature and Pop Culture
The name Levi appears in various books, movies, TV shows, and songs. In literature, it’s often used for characters who are strong, principled, or have a connection to religious backgrounds.
In pop culture, the name received a boost from the character Levi Ackerman in the wildly popular anime “Attack on Titan.” The name also has associations with Levi’s jeans, giving it a somewhat rugged, Americana quality.
Several contemporary musicians and actors bear the name, which has helped maintain its cool factor. It’s one of those names that works well across different types of media and resonates with diverse audiences.
Personality Traits Associated with Levi
People named Levi are often described as:
- Reliable and trustworthy
- Strong-willed and determined
- Creative with a practical streak
- Naturally good leaders
- Down-to-earth and approachable
- Protective of loved ones
- Independent thinkers
Of course, a name doesn’t determine personality, but these are common perceptions people have about Levis they’ve known!
Similar Names to Levi
- Eli
- Noah
- Ezra
- Caleb
- Asher
- Liam
- Jude
Alternate Spellings for Levi
- Levy
- Leavi
- Levie
- Leavy
- Leevy
Pronunciation Variations Around the World
- English: LEE-vie
- Hebrew: leh-VEE
- French: leh-VEE
- Italian: LEH-vee
- Spanish: LEH-bee
Parents Who Like Levi Also Like
- Elijah
- Isaac
- Gabriel
- Silas
- Micah
- Hudson
- Ezekiel
Baby Name Lists That Include Levi
- Biblical Boy Names
- Short and Strong Boy Names
- Vintage Names Making a Comeback
- Names with Hebrew Origins
- Modern Masculine Names
- Two-Syllable Boy Names
- Names with Positive Meanings
Levi for Both Genders
While Levi is traditionally a boy’s name, there has been a small but growing trend of using it for girls. For girls, it’s often seen as a bold, gender-neutral choice. Sometimes it’s used as a nickname for girls named Olivia, Lavinia, or Elizabeth.
Sibling Name Ideas
For Brothers:
- Noah
- Judah
- Caleb
- Ethan
- Asher
- Elijah
- Samuel
For Sisters:
- Naomi
- Hannah
- Leah
- Eden
- Grace
- Ruby
- Abigail
Names with the Same Meaning as Levi
- Bond (English)
- Liam (Irish form of William, can mean “determined protector”)
- Samyukt (Sanskrit for “joined”)
- Yunta (Native American, meaning “joined together”)
- Cleave (English, meaning “to adhere”)
First Impressions of Levi
Most people’s first impressions of the name Levi include:
- Strong and masculine
- Biblical yet modern
- Simple but distinctive
- Friendly and approachable
- Slightly rugged and outdoorsy
- Creative but grounded
The name tends to evoke images of someone reliable and authentic – the kind of person who might be good with their hands but also thoughtful and kind.
Celebrity Babies Named Levi
- Matthew McConaughey and Camila Alves have a son named Levi
- Sheryl Crow has a son named Levi James
- Sara Gilbert has a son named Levi Hank
- Shannon Leto (brother of Jared Leto) has a son named Levi
- Singer Natalie Maines has a son named Levi
Songs About Levi
- “Levi Blues” by Old Crow Medicine Show
- “Levi” by Frank Turner
- “Little Levi” by Ray Charles
- “Levi Stubbs’ Tears” by Billy Bragg
- “Jeans On” by David Dundas (about Levi’s jeans)
Famous Quotes About Levi
“Levi was all that anyone could want in a son – strong, determined, and fiercely loyal.” – From the novel “The Red Tent” by Anita Diamant
“In Levi we see the perfect blend of strength and service, a leader among his people.” – Biblical commentary by Rabbi Jonathan Sacks
“Levi’s story is one of redemption and purpose, showing how even complicated beginnings can lead to profound impact.” – Religious scholar James Martin
Levi in Different Languages
- Hebrew: לֵוִי (Levi)
- Greek: Λευί (Leví)
- Russian: Левий (Leviy)
- Arabic: لاوي (Lawi)
- Japanese: レビ (Rebi)
- Chinese: 利未 (Lì wèi)
Name Combinations for Levi
Middle Names:
- Levi James
- Levi Alexander
- Levi Michael
- Levi Benjamin
- Levi Thomas
- Levi Gabriel
- Levi Matthew
First Names (if Levi is the middle name):
- Ethan Levi
- Jackson Levi
- Samuel Levi
- William Levi
- Gabriel Levi
Comments from Parents of Children Named Levi
“We named our son Levi three years ago, and it fits him perfectly! He’s strong-willed but super loving. I love that it’s recognizable but not overly common in his class.” – Jessica, mom of Levi
“Our Levi is the most determined little guy. We chose the name for its biblical significance but also because it’s just cool. No regrets!” – Marcus, dad of Levi
“I worried Levi might be too trendy, but now I can’t imagine him with any other name. We get compliments on it all the time, and it works so well from baby to grown man.” – Tara, mom of Levi
“As a Jewish family, we chose Levi to honor our heritage. I love that it carries such meaning but still feels modern enough for a kid today.” – David, dad of Levi
“My little Levi is the sweetest. The name means ‘attached,’ and that’s exactly what he is—attached to my hip! I wouldn’t have it any other way.” – Alyssa, mom of Levi