לֵב

Lev

boyHebrew; also RussianJewish

Lev is a Jewish boy name of Hebrew; also Russian origin, meaning “Heart (Hebrew); lion (Russian)”.

MeaningHeart (Hebrew); lion (Russian)
GenderBoy
OriginHebrew; also Russian
Written asלֵב
PronunciationLEV
TraditionJewish, Modern & Classic
Used inIsrael, Russia, United States

Meaning and origin of Lev

Lev has two separate origins. In Hebrew lev means 'heart', and it is used as a modern Israeli name. In Russian and other Slavic languages Lev means 'lion', from the same root as Leo, and is the original form of the name of the writer Lev (Leo) Tolstoy. Jewish families from Russia often used Lev as an equivalent of Judah or Leib.

Is Lev a Jewish name?

In Jewish use Lev is a Hebrew word name meaning 'heart'; the Russian form has a Christian Orthodox background through saints named Leo.

How popular is Lev?

Used in Israel and Russia and gaining some popularity in the US.

Gifts with the name Lev

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Spellings and variants of Lev

LeoLeibLyova

Names similar to Lev

More Jewish boy names

Frequently asked questions

What does the name Lev mean?

Lev means 'Heart (Hebrew); lion (Russian)'. It is of Hebrew; also Russian origin.

Is Lev a Jewish name?

In Jewish use Lev is a Hebrew word name meaning 'heart'; the Russian form has a Christian Orthodox background through saints named Leo.

How do you pronounce Lev?

Lev is pronounced LEV.

Is Lev a boy or girl name?

Lev is usually a boy name.

Updated October 2026. Spotted a mistake? Tell us.