Levi is a Hebrew masculine given name derived from the word "lev" which means "heart." In the Bible, Levi was one of the twelve sons of Jacob and the founder of the tribe of Levi. The tribe of Levi was responsible for carrying the Tabernacle and performing other religious duties in ancient Israel.
The name Levi has been used throughout history, with notable figures bearing this name including Levi ben Gershon (also known as Gersonides), a medieval Jewish philosopher and astronomer, and Levi Strauss, the German-American entrepreneur who founded the blue jean company that bears his surname.
The name Levi has seen a significant increase in popularity over the past few decades in the United States. Between 1929 and 2023, there have been a total of 1,287 births registered with the name Levi.
Initially, the name was not particularly common, with only six births recorded in both 1929 and 1975. However, starting from 1976, we begin to see a gradual increase in the number of babies named Levi each year. This trend continues until 2003, with fluctuations ranging from seven to thirty-one births per year.
A notable surge in popularity occurs between 2004 and 2023, during which time the number of annual Levi births more than quadruples, reaching a peak of 81 births in 2021. This consistent growth reflects the name's rising appeal among parents in the United States.
Despite fluctuations over the years, the name Levi has consistently remained in the top 500 most popular boy names in the U.S., according to data from the Social Security Administration. Its popularity is likely attributed to its strong, biblical origins and its versatility as a unisex name.
In conclusion, while Levi may not have always been a common choice for parents in the United States, its popularity has grown significantly over time, with a substantial increase observed since the late 1970s. Today, it is well-established as a popular boys' name, with hundreds of new Levies joining their peers each year.