Leif is an Old Norse name, from Leifr, that means "heir" or "descendant". Its most famous bearer is Leif Erikson, the Norse explorer who reached North America around the year 1000, and the United States honors him each October 9 on Leif Erikson Day. Leif spent years just outside the top 1000, entered the list in 2020, peaked at number 841 in 2022 and ranks 917th in 2025.