Leva is a feminine given name of Slavic origin. It is derived from the Slavic element "lev," which means "lion." The name Leva is often associated with strength, courage, and leadership, much like the powerful and majestic lion.
The name Leva has been popular in various Slavic countries for centuries. In Bulgaria, for instance, it has been a common choice among parents for their daughters since the Middle Ages. In Russia, the name has also been widely used and is considered to be of high prestige.
Historically, the name Leva has been borne by several notable figures throughout history. One such figure is Lev Trotsky (1879-1940), a prominent Russian Marxist revolutionary and theorist who played a significant role in the Bolshevik Revolution. Although Trotsky was born with the name Lev Bronstein, he adopted the pseudonym Trotsky early on in his political career.
In popular culture, Leva has also been used as a character name in various works of fiction. For example, it is the name of one of the main characters in the 2019 film "The Kindergarten Teacher," played by Maggie Gyllenhaal.
Overall, Leva is a strong and distinctive feminine given name with roots deep in Slavic history and culture. Its association with the mighty lion makes it a powerful choice for parents looking for a memorable and meaningful name for their daughter.
The name Leva has been given to a total of 809 babies in the United States over the years, with its popularity fluctuating from year to year.
In the late 19th and early 20th centuries, the name Leva was given to between 5 and 21 babies each year. The most popular years for the name were 1895, with 14 births, and 1906, with 20 births.
However, after the 1930s, the number of babies named Leva began to decline significantly. Between 1940 and 2000, there were fewer than 10 babies named Leva each year on average. The lowest point was in 1950, with only 5 births.
Interestingly, the name Leva experienced a small resurgence in recent years. In 2021, there were 5 babies named Leva, and this number increased to 11 in 2023. This suggests that while the name may not be as popular as it once was, it is still being chosen for some newborns.
Overall, these statistics show that the name Leva has had a somewhat uneven history of popularity in the United States. While it was relatively common during certain periods, its use has declined significantly over time. However, with recent increases in its usage, it appears that Leva may be poised for a comeback among parents looking for unique and distinctive names for their children.