Lief

Lief is a masculine name with Norse and Germanic origins, typically considered a variant spelling of Leif, which means 'heir' or 'descendant.' The most famous bearer was Leif Erikson, the Norse explorer believed to be the first European to reach North America. This spelling variation maintains the same pronunciation but gives the name a slightly different visual presentation. The name has a strong, concise quality with its single syllable and straightforward pronunciation. Despite its brevity, Lief carries significant historical weight and conveys a sense of adventure and discovery through its association with exploration. The name has remained relatively uncommon, giving it a distinctive character while still being recognizable and easy to pronounce.

Pronounced LEAF.

As of October 2026, Lief ranked #7547 in US births in 2023 SSA, peaked at #3148 in 1973.