The name Levi has become a favorite amongst new parents for being both traditional and trendy. It means “united," “joined,” or, sometimes, “joined in harmony.”

It has Biblical roots: in the Old Testament, Levi is the son of Jacob and Leah. The Levites are also one of the 12 tribes of the Israelites. In this way, Levi is a name signifying the unification or founding of something. 

As of 2020, Levi was the 18th most popular boy name in America, per the Social Security Administration. It’s the most popular the name has been since 1900, when the Social Security Administration’s records began. 

  • Origin: The name Levi is Hebrew. The original Hebrew may have been Yewi or Lawa. It is first introduced in the book of Genesis in the Old Testament.Gender: Levi is traditionally used as a boy name. Some parents, however, may want to use it as a name for a girl.Pronunciation: LEE-vie or LEH-vee

Although many baby names are separated by gender, Verywell Family believes that sex does not need to play a role in your name selection process. It’s important to select a name that you feel suits your new baby the best.

In the early 2000s, Levi was not an uncommon or overly popular name—in 2000, for example, it ranked 172 in the United States. But in 2009 it broke into the double digits (ranking 85, to be exact), and it’s been on a steady incline ever since. 

Its sudden rise in popularity that year may have been thanks to actor Matthew McConaughey; in 2008, his wife Camila Alves gave birth to a baby boy and they named him Levi. 

Name Variations 

Because it’s short, sweet, and striking as is, there aren’t many translations of the name Levi in other languages. However, there are a few alternatives.

  • Levey (Hebrew)Lewi (Hebrew)LevonLeveeLevinLeevi (Finnish)Lewy (Polish)

Similar Names

Other boy names from the Old Testament:

  • MosesAbrahamJacobJesseBenjaminCalebNoahAbelJoshua

Other boy names starting with L:

  • LukeLoganLiamLeoLamonteLincolnLelandLawrenceLuther

Suggested Sibling Names

  • BenjaminAsherEzraNoraNaomiHannahMicahChloeHenryGraceJudahRebekah

Famous People Named Levi

There’s one extremely well-known famous person named Levi, but beyond that, it’s a relatively uncommon name among celebs, athletes, and public personas. Here are a few notables.

  • Levi Strauss, entrepreneur and founder of Levi Strauss & Co., one of the most well-known makers of denim in the worldLevi Stubbs, lead singer of the Four TopsLevi Lincoln, Sr., Attorney General to Thomas JeffersonLevi Johnston, public persona best known for his relationship with Sarah Palin’s daughter BristolLevi Miller, actor best known for playing Peter Pan in 2015’s Pan

More Baby Names

Still searching for the perfect baby name? Check out these related baby name lists for even more options: 

  • 300 Top Baby Names by Syllable Count
  • 50 Hebrew Baby Names
  • 100 Biblical Baby Names