Levin
BoyGerman, Old English· “dear friend; also a surname”
- Meaning
- dear friend; also a surname
- Origin
- German, Old English
- Pronunciation
- LEH-vihn
- Syllables
- 2
- US rank 2025
- #3,023
- US babies 2025
- 41
- Best rank
- #936 (1889)
- Peak year
- 2011
Meaning and origin of Levin
Levin is a German and Old English name that is usually said to mean “dear friend; also a surname”.
Levin can come from two different sources. As an English name, it goes back to the Old English Leofwine, dear friend, from leof, dear, and wine, friend. As a Jewish surname, Levin is linked to Levi, the Hebrew name of one of the tribes of Israel. In Russian literature, Konstantin Levin is a central character in Tolstoy's Anna Karenina, often read as a portrait of the author himself. It is said LEH-vihn, and in German-speaking countries, where it is used as a first name, LAY-veen. Leven and Lewin are related forms. Lev and Levi are ready short forms.
Popularity over time
Levin first appears in US Social Security records in 1889. It has ranked in the top 1,000 in 1 different years, starting in 1889. Its best national rank was #936 in 1889, and the most babies received it in 2011, when 60 were named Levin. In 2025, 41 babies were named Levin, and it ranked #3,023 nationally. That is 28% more than ten years earlier, so it is clearly on the rise.
Its national rank moved from #2,692 in 1920, #3,982 in 1950, #4,015 in 1980, #4,708 in 2000, #2,665 in 2010, and #3,023 in 2025. Of the 1,693 US boys named Levin since records began, 26% were born in the 2010s, its biggest decade. The 2020s come next, with 254 babies.
Other boys' names that peaked around the same time include Jacori, Saeed, Cage, Jahleel, and Cache.
Where it is most popular (2025)
In 2025, Levin ranked highest in Florida and California.
| State | Rank there | Babies |
|---|---|---|
| Florida | #1997 | 5 |
| California | #2660 | 5 |
Gender, sound and spelling
About 99% of US babies named Levin over the last 20 years were boys, with a small share of girls.
Levin is usually pronounced LEH-vihn, with two syllables. It has five letters, starts with L and ends in “-in”.
Middle names for Levin
A few middle names that flow with Levin: each avoids a matching first letter, a rhyme and a vowel clash where the names meet.
Sibling names for Levin
Similar names
Lists that include Levin
Frequently asked questions
What does the name Levin mean?
Levin is a German and Old English name that is usually said to mean “dear friend; also a surname”.
What is the origin of the name Levin?
Levin has German and Old English roots. Levin can come from two different sources.
Is Levin a popular name?
Not especially. Levin ranked #3,023 in the US in 2025, which puts it outside the top 1,000.
Is Levin a boy or girl name?
Levin is mainly a boy's name. About 99% of US babies named Levin over the last 20 years were boys, with a small share of girls.
How do you pronounce Levin?
Levin is usually pronounced LEH-vihn. Stressed syllables are in capital letters.
Popularity figures come from US Social Security card applications (names given to at least five babies in a year, 1880 to 2025). How we source names and meanings