Lively Levi: A timeless treasure
The name you choose for your child will be a part of their identity — and Levi could be the perfect fit for your little one’s story.
Whether you’re drawn to its biblical roots or its contemporary charm, Levi is a name that promises to stand out.
Popularity of the name
If you’re considering the name Levi for your little one, you’ll be interested to know about its popularity trends.
Levi has steadily climbed the popularity charts in recent decades. In 1970, it ranked in the top 700 boys’ names in the United States, but by 1990, it had risen to the top 200.
As of 2020, Levi proudly stood as the eighteenth most popular boy’s name in the country. This surge in popularity makes Levi a modern, trendy choice.
Celebrities with the name
The name Levi is associated with various notable personalities, enhancing its appeal:
- Levi Strauss: Founder of the renowned blue jean company Levi Strauss & Co. in 1853, Strauss has left an indelible mark on the fashion industry
- Levi Stubbs: Known as the singer of the Four Tops and the voice of Audrey II in the 1986 musical film “Little Shop of Horrors”
- Levi Kreis: An American recording artist and Tony Award-winning actor
- Levi Roots: A British-Jamaican reggae musician, television personality, and celebrity chef
- Levi Woodbury: An Associate Justice of the Supreme Court of the United States and a prominent political figure
- Levi Johnson: A former NFL player for the Detroit Lions, known for his impressive sportsmanship
- Levi Stewart Udall: Chief Justice of the Arizona Supreme Court and member of the notable Udall political family
Pronunciation of the name
Pronouncing Levi is straightforward — it’s “LEE-vye”.
It comprises two syllables, with the emphasis on the first: LEE-vye.
A common mispronunciation is “Lev-ee”, similar to “heavy”.
Nicknames and variations
Levi offers a range of nicknames and variations, giving you the flexibility to choose a version that resonates with you.
Some popular nicknames include:
- Lee
- Lev
- Vee
If you would prefer a different spelling, consider:
- Levy
- Levey
- Levie
- Levin
Levi also has several modern spelling variations:
- Lévi
- Levvy
- Leevi
Levi also has various adaptations around the globe:
- Lévi (French)
- Lev (Russian)
- Lavi (Hebrew)
Similar names
Considering names similar to Levi? Here are a few options that share its sound or spelling:
- Levin
- Levon
- Levy
- Lewis
- Levina (feminine)
These names offer a similar feel while maintaining their own unique qualities.
Origin of the name
The name Levi has its roots in Hebrew. It comes from the לוה (“Lava”), meaning “to join” or “connect”.
It is also the name of a biblical figure — Levi, the son of Jacob and founder of the Israelite tribe of Levi.
Levi is also the great-grandfather of notable biblical figures Aaron, Moses and Miriam.
In the Book of Genesis, Levi is known for the extermination of the city of Shechem.
This action led to Jacob’s curse, scattering the Levites, which some scholars interpret as a reflection of the evolving nature of the priesthood in Israelite society.
Levi fathered three sons — Gershon, Kohath, and Merari — and possibly a daughter, Jochebed, who was the mother of Aaron, Moses, and Miriam.
These familial connections link Levi directly to some of the most central figures in Jewish religious history. Levi’s wife is variably named as Milkah or Adinah in different texts.
Levi’s role as the founder of the Levites positioned him as a key religious figure. He is portrayed as pious and devout, with the Blessing of Moses comparing him allegorically to Moses himself.
Levi is depicted as a prophet and saint in later texts. He is recognized for his ability to foresee the future, as well as his piety and deep reverence for God.
